Antibodies that bind PAR-2

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-PAR-2 antibodies. In particular embodiments, the invention provides human antibodies that bind PAR-2, PAR-2-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and PAR-2-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having PAR-2-related disorders or conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/058,094, filed Jun. 2, 2008 and U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/947,264, filed Jun. 29, 2007, whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application provides compositions and methods relating to PAR-2antigen binding proteins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Proteinase-activated receptor (PAR) family is a part of theseven-transmembrane G-coupled receptor superfamily. There are currentlyfour known PARs, of which three (PARs-1, -3 and -4) are activated bythrombin; a fourth (PAR-2) is activated by trypsin or mast celltryptase, but not by thrombin. PARs are widely distributed to a varietyof tissues and participate in a number of physiological orpathophysiological phenomena such as platelet aggregation, inflammationand cardiovascular, digestive or respiratory functions.

PARs differ from other receptors in that activation is initiated byproteolytic cleavage of the N terminus of the PAR, which then forms atethered ligand that interacts with the extracellular region (loop 2) ofthe same receptor polypeptide. Cleavage of PAR-2 occurs between the Rand S residues of the protease cleavage domain, SKGRSLIG (amino acids 33through 40 of SEQ ID NO:2), which is conserved between human, murine andrat PAR-2. Peptides that mimic the tethered ligand have been shown tohave agonistic effects on PAR-2 (Saifeddine et al., Br J Pharmacol118(3):521-30 [1996]; McGuire et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther309(3):1124-31 [2004]).

PAR-2 activates the G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated common signaltransduction pathways, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production andmobilization of Ca(2+), as well as multiple kinase pathways, includingERK, p38MAPK, JNK, and IKK. It is present on epithelial and endothelialcells, myocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells, neurons and glial cells inthe kidney, pancreas, stomach, intestine, airway, skin, bladder andbrain. The protease that activates PAR-2 is present during inflammation,and PAR-2 is upregulated by inflammatory factors such as tumour necrosisfactor alpha, interleukin 1 alpha and lipopolysaccharide. Moreover,studies utilizing PAR-2-deficient or -overexpressing mice confirm a rolefor this receptor in inflammation (Schmidlin et al., J. Immunol. 169,5315-5321 [2002]; Ferrell et al., J. Clin. Invest. 111, 35-41 [2003]).Accordingly, there is a need in the art to develop antagonists of PAR-2activation, which will be useful in treating or amelioratinginflammatory conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a set of graphs comparing the levels of certainproinflammatory cytokines present in paw tissue from rats in anadjuvant-induece arthritis model.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides an isolated antigenbinding protein that specifically binds to human PAR-2. In anotheraspect of the invention, the antigen binding protein specifically bindsto the PAR-2 of a non-human primate, a cynomologous monkey, achimpanzee, a non-primate mammal, a rodent, a mouse, a rat, a hamster, aguinea pig, a cat, or a dog. In another embodiment, the isolated antigenbinding protein comprises: a. a human antibody; b. a chimeric antibody;c. a monoclonal antibody; d. a recombinant antibody; e. anantigen-binding antibody fragment; f. a single chain antibody; g. adiabody; h. a triabody; i. a tetrabody; j. a Fab fragment; k. a F(ab′)₂fragment; l. a domain antibody; m. an IgD antibody; n. an IgE antibody;o. an IgM antibody; p. an IgG1 antibody; q. an IgG2 antibody; r. an IgG3antibody; s. an IgG4 antibody; or t. an IgG4 antibody having at leastone mutation in a hinge region that alleviates a tendency to formintra-H chain disulfide bond.

In another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides anisolated antigen binding protein having a heavy chain and a light chain,the heavy chain comprising a variable region that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO:9, and the light chain comprising a variableregion that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:11. In anotherembodiment, the heavy chain variable region is at least 95% identical toSEQ ID NO:31, and the light chain variable region is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO:35. In another aspect of the invention, the lightchain variable region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:39, andthe heavy chain variable region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:40. In another embodiment of the invention, the light chain variableregion has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:41, and the heavy chainvariable region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:42.

In one embodiment of the invention, the heavy chain variable regioncomprises three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) designatedCDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, and the light chain variable region comprises threecomplementarity determining regions (CDRs), designated CDR1, CDR2 andCDR3. In another aspect of the invention, the heavy chain variableregion further comprises four framework regions (FRs) designated FR1,FR2, FR3 and FR4, and the light chain variable region further comprisesfour framework regions (FRs) designated FR1, FR2, FR3 and FR4. In oneembodiment of the invention, the heavy chain CDRs are selected from theamong CDRs of the peptides having the amino acid sequences shown in SEQID NOs:9, 13, 17, 23, 27, 31, and 35, and the light chain CDRs areselected from among the CDRs of the peptides having the amino acidsequences shown in SEQ ID NOs:11, 15, 19, 25, 29, 33 and 37.

In one aspect of the invention, all three heavy chain CDRs are selectedfrom the same peptide, for example, heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 arefrom SEQ ID NO:9 and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are from SEQ IDNO:11, etc. In another embodiment of the invention, the CDRs areselected from among different peptides, for example, heavy chain CDR1 isfrom SEQ ID NO:9, CDR2 is from SEQ ID NO:13 and CDR3 from SEQ ID NO:17,and light chain CDR1 is from SEQ ID NO:11, CDR2 is from SEQ ID NO:15 andCDR3 from SEQ ID NO:19, etc. Alternatively, two CDRs can be selectedfrom a single peptide and the third from another peptide. Numerous suchcombinations are possible. In another aspect the framework regions canbe selected from the same peptide, or one or more framework regions canbe selected from different peptides.

In one aspect of the invention, the present invention provides nucleicacids encoding the aforementioned polypeptides. In another aspect of theinvention the nucleic acid is a vector. In another embodiment of theinvention, the invention provides host cells transformed or transfectedwith the inventive nucleic acids. In another aspect of the invention,there is provided a method of preparing a polypeptide comprisingincubating the host cells under conditions promoting expression of thepolypeptides and harvesting the polypeptides.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an isolated cell thatsecretes an antigen binding protein that binds PAR-2. In anotherembodiment, the cell is a hybridoma. In another embodiment, the presentinvention provides a method of making an antigen binding protein thatbinds human PAR-2, comprising incubating said isolated cell underconditions that allow it to express said antigen binding protein.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an isolated antigenbinding protein that binds to proteinase activated receptor-2 (PAR-2).In another embodiment, the isolated antigen binding protein, when boundto a human PAR-2, inhibits proteolytic cleavage and/or subsequentsignaling through said human PAR-2. In another embodiment, the isolatedantigen binding protein inhibits proteolytic activation of PAR-2 bygreater than about 80%. In another embodiment, the isolated antigenbinding protein binds to uncleaved PAR-2 and binds to a lesser extent tocleaved PAR-2. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen bindingprotein inhibits proteolytic activation of PAR-2 by less than about 10%.In another embodiment, the isolated antigen binding protein binds toboth cleaved and uncleaved PAR-2 substantially equally.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising the antigen binding protein. In one embodiment,the present invention provides a method of treating a condition in asubject comprising administering to said subject said pharmaceuticalcomposition, wherein said condition is treatable by reducing theactivity of PAR-2 in said subject. In another embodiment, said subjectis a human being. In another embodiment, said condition is aninflammatory condition of the skin, joints, gastrointestinal systemand/or airway. In another embodiment, the method further comprisesadministering to said subject a second treatment. In another embodiment,said second treatment is administered to said subject before and/orsimultaneously with and/or after said pharmaceutical composition isadministered to said subject. In another embodiment, said secondtreatment comprises an anti-inflammatory agent. In another embodiment,said second pharmaceutical composition comprises an agent selected fromthe group consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids,and immunomodulating agents. In another embodiment, said methodcomprises administering to said subject a third treatment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of increasingthe longevity of a subject comprising administering to said subject saidpharmaceutical composition.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of decreasingPAR-2 activity in a subject in need thereof comprising administering tosaid subject said pharmaceutical composition.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of decreasingPAR-2 signaling in a subject in need thereof comprising administering tosaid subject said pharmaceutical composition.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of inhibitingthe proteolytic activation of PAR-2 in a subject in need thereofcomprising administering to said subject said pharmaceuticalcomposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods relatingto molecules that bind to the Proteinase Activated Receptor 2 (“PAR-2”),including molecules that agonize or antagonize PAR-2, such as anti-PAR-2antibodies, antibody fragments, and antibody derivatives, e.g.,antagonistic anti-PAR-2 antibodies, antibody fragments, or antibodyderivatives. Also provided are nucleic acids, and derivatives andfragments thereof, comprising a sequence of nucleotides that encodes allor a portion of a polypeptide that binds to PAR-2, e.g., a nucleic acidencoding all or part of an anti-PAR-2 antibody, antibody fragment, orantibody derivative, plasmids and vectors comprising such nucleic acids,and cells or cell lines comprising such nucleic acids and/or vectors andplasmids. The provided methods include, for example, methods of making,identifying, or isolating molecules that bind to PAR-2, such asanti-PAR-2 antibodies, methods of determining whether a molecule bindsto PAR-2, methods of determining whether a molecule agonizes orantagonizes PAR-2, methods of making compositions, such aspharmaceutical compositions, comprising a molecule that binds to PAR-2,and methods for administering a molecule that binds PAR-2 to a subject,for example, methods for treating a condition mediated by PAR-2, and foragonizing or antagonizing a biological activity of PAR-2, in vivo or invitro.

Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are indicated using standardone- or three-letter abbreviations. Unless otherwise indicated, eachpolypeptide sequence has amino termini at the left and a carboxy terminiat the right; each single-stranded nucleic acid sequence, and the topstrand of each double-stranded nucleic acid sequence, has a 5′ terminiat the left and a 3′ termini at the right. A particular polypeptide orpolynucleotide sequence also can be described by explaining how itdiffers from a reference sequence.

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used inconnection with the present invention shall have the meanings that arecommonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further,unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall includepluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. Generally,nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of, cell andtissue culture, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, geneticsand protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization describedherein are those well known and commonly used in the art. The methodsand techniques of the present invention are generally performedaccording to conventional methods well known in the art and as describedin various general and more specific references that are cited anddiscussed throughout the present specification unless otherwiseindicated. See, e.g., Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A LaboratoryManual, 2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor,N.Y. (1989) and Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology,Greene Publishing Associates (1992), and Harlow and Lane Antibodies: ALaboratory Manual Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold SpringHarbor, N.Y. (1990), which are incorporated herein by reference.Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed accordingto manufacturer's specifications, as commonly accomplished in the art oras described herein. The terminology used in connection with, and thelaboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, syntheticorganic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry describedherein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standardtechniques can be used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses,pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment ofpatients.

The following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood tohave the following meanings:

The term “isolated molecule” (where the molecule is, for example, apolypeptide, a polynucleotide, or an antibody) is a molecule that byvirtue of its origin or source of derivation (1) is not associated withnaturally associated components that accompany it in its native state,(2) is substantially free of other molecules from the same species (3)is expressed by a cell from a different species, or (4) does not occurin nature without human intervention. Thus, a molecule that ischemically synthesized, or synthesized in a cellular system differentfrom the cell from which it naturally originates, will be “isolated”from its naturally associated components. A molecule also may berendered substantially free of naturally associated components byisolation, using purification techniques well known in the art. Moleculepurity or homogeneity may be assayed by a number of means well known inthe art. For example, the purity of a polypeptide sample may be assayedusing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and staining of the gel tovisualize the polypeptide using techniques well known in the art. Forcertain purposes, higher resolution may be provided by using HPLC orother means well known in the art for purification.

The terms “PAR-2 inhibitor” and “PAR-2 antagonist” are usedinterchangeably. Each is a molecule that detectably inhibits at leastone function of PAR-2. Conversely, a “PAR-2 agonist” is a molecule thatdetectably increases at least one function of PAR-2. The inhibitioncaused by a PAR-2 inhibitor need not be complete so long as it isdetectable using an assay. Any assay of a function of PAR-2 can be used,examples of which are provided herein. Examples of functions of PAR-2that can be inhibited by a PAR-2 inhibitor, or increased by a PAR-2agonist, include protease-activated ligand binding, downstreamsignaling, and so on. Examples of types of PAR-2 inhibitors and PAR-2agonists include, but are not limited to, PAR-2 binding polypeptidessuch as antigen binding proteins (e.g., PAR-2 inhibiting antigen bindingproteins), antibodies, antibody fragments, and antibody derivatives.

The terms “peptide,” “polypeptide” and “protein” each refers to amolecule comprising two or more amino acid residues joined to each otherby peptide bonds. These terms encompass, e.g., native and artificialproteins, protein fragments and polypeptide analogs (such as muteins,variants, and fusion proteins) of a protein sequence as well aspost-translationally, or otherwise covalently or non-covalently,modified proteins. A peptide, polypeptide, or protein may be monomericor polymeric.

The term “polypeptide fragment” as used herein refers to a polypeptidethat has an amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal deletion as comparedto a corresponding full-length protein. Fragments can be, for example,at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 50, 70, 80, 90, 100,150 or 200 amino acids in length. Fragments can also be, for example, atmost 1,000, 750, 500, 250, 200, 175, 150, 125, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50,40, 30, 20, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or 10 amino acids in length. A fragmentcan further comprise, at either or both of its ends, one or moreadditional amino acids, for example, a sequence of amino acids from adifferent naturally-occurring protein (e.g., an Fc or leucine zipperdomain) or an artificial amino acid sequence (e.g., an artificial linkersequence or a tag protein).

Polypeptides of the invention include polypeptides that have beenmodified in any way and for any reason, for example, to: (1) reducesusceptibility to proteolysis, (2) reduce susceptibility to oxidation,(3) alter binding affinity for forming protein complexes, (4) alterbinding affinities, and (4) confer or modify other physicochemical orfunctional properties. Analogs include muteins of a polypeptide. Forexample, single or multiple amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservativeamino acid substitutions) may be made in the naturally occurringsequence (e.g., in the portion of the polypeptide outside the domain(s)forming intermolecular contacts. A “conservative amino acidsubstitution” is one that does not substantially change the structuralcharacteristics of the parent sequence (e.g., a replacement amino acidshould not tend to break a helix that occurs in the parent sequence, ordisrupt other types of secondary structure that characterize the parentsequence or are necessary for its functionality). Examples ofart-recognized polypeptide secondary and tertiary structures aredescribed in Proteins, Structures and Molecular Principles (Creighton,Ed., W. H. Freeman and Company, New York (1984)); Introduction toProtein Structure (C. Branden and J. Tooze, eds., Garland Publishing,New York, N.Y. (1991)); and Thornton et at. Nature 354:105 (1991), whichare each incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention also provides non-peptide analogs of PAR-2 bindingpolypeptides. Non-peptide analogs are commonly used in thepharmaceutical industry as drugs with properties analogous to those ofthe template peptide. These types of non-peptide compound are termed“peptide mimetics” or “peptidomimetics,” see, for example, Fauchere, J.Adv. Drug Res. 15:29 (1986); Veber and Freidinger TINS p. 392 (1985);and Evans et al. J. Med. Chem. 30:1229 (1987), which are incorporatedherein by reference. Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar totherapeutically useful peptides may be used to produce an equivalenttherapeutic or prophylactic effect. Generally, peptidomimetics arestructurally similar to a paradigm polypeptide (i.e., a polypeptide thathas a desired biochemical property or pharmacological activity), such asa human antibody, but have one or more peptide linkages optionallyreplaced by a linkage selected from the group consisting of: —CH₂NH—,—CH₂S—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH═CH-(cis and trans), —COCH₂—, —CH(OH)CH₂—, and—CH₂SO—, by methods well known in the art. Systematic substitution ofone or more amino acids of a consensus sequence with a D-amino acid ofthe same type (e.g., D-lysine in place of L-lysine) may also be used togenerate more stable peptides. In addition, constrained peptidescomprising a consensus sequence or a substantially identical consensussequence variation may be generated by methods known in the art (Rizoand Gierasch Ann. Rev. Biochem. 61:387 (1992), incorporated herein byreference), for example, by adding internal cysteine residues capable offorming intramolecular disulfide bridges which cyclize the peptide.

A “variant” of a polypeptide (e.g., an antibody) comprises an amino acidsequence wherein one or more amino acid residues are inserted into,deleted from and/or substituted into the amino acid sequence relative toanother polypeptide sequence. Variants of the invention include fusionproteins.

A “derivative” of a polypeptide is a polypeptide (e.g., an antibody)that has been chemically modified, e.g., via conjugation to anotherchemical moiety (such as, for example, polyethylene glycol or albumin,e.g., human serum albumin), phosphorylation, and glycosylation. Unlessotherwise indicated, the term “antibody” includes, in addition toantibodies comprising two full-length heavy chains and two full-lengthlight chains, derivatives, variants, fragments, and muteins thereof,examples of which are described below.

An “antigen binding protein” is a protein comprising a portion thatbinds to an antigen and, optionally, a scaffold or framework portionthat allows the antigen binding portion to adopt a conformation thatpromotes binding of the antigen binding protein to the antigen. Examplesof antigen binding proteins include antibodies, antibody fragments(e.g., an antigen binding portion of an antibody), antibody derivatives,and antibody analogs. The antigen binding protein can comprise, forexample, an alternative protein scaffold or artificial scaffold withgrafted CDRs or CDR derivatives. Such scaffolds include, but are notlimited to, antibody-derived scaffolds comprising mutations introducedto, for example, stabilize the three-dimensional structure of theantigen binding protein as well as wholly synthetic scaffoldscomprising, for example, a biocompatible polymer. See, for example,Korndorfer et al., 2003, Proteins: Structure, Function, andBioinformatics, Volume 53, Issue 1:121-129; Roque et al., 2004,Biotechnol. Prog. 20:639-654. In addition, peptide antibody mimetics(“PAMs”) can be used, as well as scaffolds based on antibody mimeticsutilizing fibronection components as a scaffold.

An antigen binding protein can have, for example, the structure of anaturally occurring immunoglobulin. An “immunoglobulin” is a tetramericmolecule. In a naturally occurring immunoglobulin, each tetramer iscomposed of two identical pairs of polypeptide chains, each pair havingone “light” (about 25 kDa) and one “heavy” chain (about 50-70 kDa). Theamino-terminal portion of each chain includes a variable region of about100 to 110 or more amino acids primarily responsible for antigenrecognition. The carboxy-terminal portion of each chain defines aconstant region primarily responsible for effector function. Human lightchains are classified as kappa or lambda light chains. Heavy chains areclassified as mu, delta, gamma, alpha, or epsilon, and define theantibody's isotype as IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE, respectively. Withinlight and heavy chains, the variable and constant regions are joined bya “J” region of about 12 or more amino acids, with the heavy chain alsoincluding a “D” region of about 10 more amino acids. See generally,Fundamental Immunology Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N.Y.(1989)) (incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes).The variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair form the antibodybinding site such that an intact immunoglobulin has two binding sites.

The variable regions of naturally occurring immunoglobulin chainsexhibit the same general structure of relatively conserved frameworkregions (FR) joined by three hypervariable regions, also calledcomplementarity determining regions or CDRs. From N-terminus toC-terminus, both light and heavy chains comprise the domains FR1, CDR1,FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. The assignment of amino acids to eachdomain is in accordance with the definitions of Kabat et al. inSequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5^(th) Ed., US Dept. ofHealth and Human Services, PHS, NIH, NIH Publication no. 91-3242, 1991.Other numbering systems for the amino acids in immunoglobulin chainsinclude IMGT® (the international ImMunoGeneTics information system;Lefranc et al, Dev. Comp. Immunol. 29:185-203; 2005) and AHo (Honeggerand Pluckthun, J. Mol. Biol. 309(3):657-670; 2001).

Antibodies can be obtained from sources such as serum or plasma thatcontain immunoglobulins having varied antigenic specificity. If suchantibodies are subjected to affinity purification, they can be enrichedfor a particular antigenic specificity. Such enriched preparations ofantibodies usually are made of less than about 10% antibody havingspecific binding activity for the particular antigen. Subjecting thesepreparations to several rounds of affinity purification can increase theproportion of antibody having specific binding activity for the antigen.Antibodies prepared in this manner are often referred to as“monospecific.” Monospecfic antibody preparations can be made up ofabout 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,99%, or 99.9% antibody having specific binding activity for theparticular antigen.

An “antibody” refers to an intact immunoglobulin or to an antigenbinding portion thereof that competes with the intact antibody forspecific binding, unless otherwise specified. Antigen binding portionsmay be produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by enzymatic orchemical cleavage of intact antibodies. Antigen binding portionsinclude, inter alia, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, domain antibodies (dAbs),and complementarity determining region (CDR) fragments, single-chainantibodies (scFv), chimeric antibodies, diabodies, triabodies,tetrabodies, and polypeptides that contain at least a portion of animmunoglobulin that is sufficient to confer specific antigen binding tothe polypeptide.

A Fab fragment is a monovalent fragment having the V_(L), V_(H), C_(L)and C_(H)1 domains; a F(ab′)₂ fragment is a bivalent fragment having twoFab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; a Fdfragment has the V_(H) and C_(H)1 domains; an Fv fragment has the V_(L)and V_(H) domains of a single arm of an antibody; and a dAb fragment hasa V_(H) domain, a V_(L) domain, or an antigen-binding fragment of aV_(H) or V_(L) domain (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,846,634, 6,696,245, US App. Pub.No. 05/0202512, 04/0202995, 04/0038291, 04/0009507, 03/0039958, Ward etal., Nature 341:544-546, 1989).

A single-chain antibody (scFv) is an antibody in which a V_(L) and aV_(H) region are joined via a linker (e.g., a synthetic sequence ofamino acid residues) to form a continuous protein chain wherein thelinker is long enough to allow the protein chain to fold back on itselfand form a monovalent antigen binding site (see, e.g., Bird et al.,1988, Science 242:423-26 and Huston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.USA 85:5879-83). Diabodies are bivalent antibodies comprising twopolypeptide chains, wherein each polypeptide chain comprises V_(H) andV_(L) domains joined by a linker that is too short to allow for pairingbetween two domains on the same chain, thus allowing each domain to pairwith a complementary domain on another polypeptide chain (see, e.g.,Holliger et al., 1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-48, and Poljaket al., 1994, Structure 2:1121-23). If the two polypeptide chains of adiabody are identical, then a diabody resulting from their pairing willhave two identical antigen binding sites. Polypeptide chains havingdifferent sequences can be used to make a diabody with two differentantigen binding sites. Similarly, tribodies and tetrabodies areantibodies comprising three and four polypeptide chains, respectively,and forming three and four antigen binding sites, respectively, whichcan be the same or different.

Complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and framework regions (FR) ofa given antibody may be identified using the system described by Kabatet al. supra; Lefranc et al., supra and/or Honegger and Pluckthun,supra. One or more CDRs may be incorporated into a molecule eithercovalently or noncovalently to make it an antigen binding protein. Anantigen binding protein may incorporate the CDR(s) as part of a largerpolypeptide chain, may covalently link the CDR(s) to another polypeptidechain, or may incorporate the CDR(s) noncovalently. The CDRs permit theantigen binding protein to specifically bind to a particular antigen ofinterest.

An antigen binding protein may have one or more binding sites. If thereis more than one binding site, the binding sites may be identical to oneanother or may be different. For example, a naturally occurring humanimmunoglobulin typically has two identical binding sites, while a“bispecific” or “bifunctional” antibody has two different binding sites.

The term “human antibody” includes all antibodies that have one or morevariable and constant regions derived from human immunoglobulinsequences. In one embodiment, all of the variable and constant domainsare derived from human immunoglobulin sequences (a fully humanantibody). These antibodies may be prepared in a variety of ways,examples of which are described below, including through theimmunization with an antigen of interest of a mouse that is geneticallymodified to express antibodies derived from human heavy and/or lightchain-encoding genes.

A humanized antibody has a sequence that differs from the sequence of anantibody derived from a non-human species by one or more amino acidsubstitutions, deletions, and/or additions, such that the humanizedantibody is less likely to induce an immune response, and/or induces aless severe immune response, as compared to the non-human speciesantibody, when it is administered to a human subject. In one embodiment,certain amino acids in the framework and constant domains of the heavyand/or light chains of the non-human species antibody are mutated toproduce the humanized antibody. In another embodiment, the constantdomain(s) from a human antibody are fused to the variable domain(s) of anon-human species. In another embodiment, one or more amino acidresidues in one or more CDR sequences of a non-human antibody arechanged to reduce the likely immunogenicity of the non-human antibodywhen it is administered to a human subject, wherein the changed aminoacid residues either are not critical for immunospecific binding of theantibody to its antigen, or the changes to the amino acid sequence thatare made are conservative changes, such that the binding of thehumanized antibody to the antigen is not significantly worse than thebinding of the non-human antibody to the antigen. Examples of how tomake humanized antibodies may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,054,297,5,886,152 and 5,877,293.

The term “chimeric antibody” refers to an antibody that contains one ormore regions from one antibody and one or more regions from one or moreother antibodies. In one embodiment, one or more of the CDRs are derivedfrom a human anti-PAR-2 antibody. In another embodiment, all of the CDRsare derived from a human anti-PAR-2 antibody. In another embodiment, theCDRs from more than one human anti-PAR-2 antibodies are mixed andmatched in a chimeric antibody. For instance, a chimeric antibody maycomprise a CDR1 from the light chain of a first human anti-PAR-2antibody, a CDR2 and a CDR3 from the light chain of a second humananti-PAR-2 antibody, and the CDRs from the heavy chain from a thirdanti-PAR-2 antibody. Other combinations are possible and are includedwithin the embodiments of the invention.

Further, the framework regions may be derived from one of the sameanti-PAR-2 antibodies, from one or more different antibodies, such as ahuman antibody, or from a humanized antibody. In one example of achimeric antibody, a portion of the heavy and/or light chain isidentical with, homologous to, or derived from an antibody from aparticular species or belonging to a particular antibody class orsubclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is/are identical with,homologous to, or derived from an antibody (-ies) from another speciesor belonging to another antibody class or subclass. Also included arefragments of such antibodies that exhibit the desired biologicalactivity (i.e., the ability to specifically bind PAR-2). See, e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 4,816,567 and Morrison, 1985, Science 229:1202-07.

A “neutralizing antibody” or an “inhibitory antibody” is an antibodythat inhibits the proteolytic activation of PAR-2 when an excess of theanti-PAR-2 antibody reduces the amount of activation by at least about20% using an assay such as those described herein in the Examples. Invarious embodiments, the antigen binding protein reduces the amount ofamount of proteolytic activation of PAR-2 by at least 30%, 40%, 50%,60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, and 99.9%.

Fragments or analogs of antibodies can be readily prepared by those ofordinary skill in the art following the teachings of this specificationand using techniques well-known in the art. Preferred amino- andcarboxy-termini of fragments or analogs occur near boundaries offunctional domains. Structural and functional domains can be identifiedby comparison of the nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence data topublic or proprietary sequence databases. Computerized comparisonmethods can be used to identify sequence motifs or predicted proteinconformation domains that occur in other proteins of known structureand/or function. Methods to identify protein sequences that fold into aknown three-dimensional structure are known. See, e.g., Bowie et al.,1991, Science 253:164.

A “CDR grafted antibody” is an antibody comprising one or more CDRsderived from an antibody of a particular species or isotype and theframework of another antibody of the same or different species orisotype.

A “multi-specific antibody” is an antibody that recognizes more than oneepitope on one or more antigens. A subclass of this type of antibody isa “bi-specific antibody” which recognizes two distinct epitopes on thesame or different antigens.

An antigen binding protein “specifically binds” to an antigen (e.g.,human PAR-2) if it binds to the antigen with a dissociation constant of1 nanomolar or less.

An “antigen binding domain,” “antigen binding region,” or “antigenbinding site” is a portion of an antigen binding protein that containsamino acid residues (or other moieties) that interact with an antigenand contribute to the antigen binding protein's specificity and affinityfor the antigen. For an antibody that specifically binds to its antigen,this will include at least part of at least one of its CDR domains.

An “epitope” is the portion of a molecule that is bound by an antigenbinding protein (e.g., by an antibody). An epitope can comprisenon-contiguous portions of the molecule (e.g., in a polypeptide, aminoacid residues that are not contiguous in the polypeptide's primarysequence but that, in the context of the polypeptide's tertiary andquaternary structure, are near enough to each other to be bound by anantigen binding protein).

The “percent identity” of two polynucleotide or two polypeptidesequences is determined by comparing the sequences using the GAPcomputer program (a part of the GCG Wisconsin Package, version 10.3(Accelrys, San Diego, Calif.)) using its default parameters.

The terms “polynucleotide,” “oligonucleotide” and “nucleic acid” areused interchangeably throughout and include DNA molecules (e.g., cDNA orgenomic DNA), RNA molecules (e.g., mRNA), analogs of the DNA or RNAgenerated using nucleotide analogs (e.g., peptide nucleic acids andnon-naturally occurring nucleotide analogs), and hybrids thereof. Thenucleic acid molecule can be single-stranded or double-stranded. In oneembodiment, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention comprise acontiguous open reading frame encoding an antibody, or a fragment,derivative, mutein, or variant thereof, of the invention.

Two single-stranded polynucleotides are “the complement” of each otherif their sequences can be aligned in an anti-parallel orientation suchthat every nucleotide in one polynucleotide is opposite itscomplementary nucleotide in the other polynucleotide, without theintroduction of gaps, and without unpaired nucleotides at the 5′ or the3′ end of either sequence. A polynucleotide is “complementary” toanother polynucleotide if the two polynucleotides can hybridize to oneanother under moderately stringent conditions. Thus, a polynucleotidecan be complementary to another polynucleotide without being itscomplement.

A “vector” is a nucleic acid that can be used to introduce anothernucleic acid linked to it into a cell. One type of vector is a“plasmid,” which refers to a linear or circular double stranded DNAmolecule into which additional nucleic acid segments can be ligated.Another type of vector is a viral vector (e.g., replication defectiveretroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses), whereinadditional DNA segments can be introduced into the viral genome. Certainvectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into whichthey are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors comprising a bacterialorigin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors(e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) are integrated into the genome ofa host cell upon introduction into the host cell, and thereby arereplicated along with the host genome. An “expression vector” is a typeof vector that can direct the expression of a chosen polynucleotide.

A nucleotide sequence is “operably linked” to a regulatory sequence ifthe regulatory sequence affects the expression (e.g., the level, timing,or location of expression) of the nucleotide sequence. A “regulatorysequence” is a nucleic acid that affects the expression (e.g., thelevel, timing, or location of expression) of a nucleic acid to which itis operably linked. The regulatory sequence can, for example, exert itseffects directly on the regulated nucleic acid, or through the action ofone or more other molecules (e.g., polypeptides that bind to theregulatory sequence and/or the nucleic acid). Examples of regulatorysequences include promoters, enhancers and other expression controlelements (e.g., polyadenylation signals). Further examples of regulatorysequences are described in, for example, Goeddel, 1990, Gene ExpressionTechnology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.and Baron et al., 1995, Nucleic Acids Res. 23:3605-06.

A “host cell” is a cell that can be used to express a nucleic acid,e.g., a nucleic acid of the invention. A host cell can be a prokaryote,for example, E. coli, or it can be a eukaryote, for example, asingle-celled eukaryote (e.g., a yeast or other fungus), a plant cell(e.g., a tobacco or tomato plant cell), an animal cell (e.g., a humancell, a monkey cell, a hamster cell, a rat cell, a mouse cell, or aninsect cell) or a hybridoma. Examples of host cells include the COS-7line of monkey kidney cells (ATCC CRL 1651) (see Gluzman et al., 1981,Cell 23:175), L cells, C127 cells, 3T3 cells (ATCC CCL 163), Chinesehamster ovary (CHO) cells or their derivatives such as Veggie CHO andrelated cell lines which grow in serum-free media (see Rasmussen et al.,1998, Cytotechnology 28:31) or CHO strain DX-B11, which is deficient inDHFR (see Urlaub et al., 1980, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216-20),HeLa cells, BHK (ATCC CRL 10) cell lines, the CV1/EBNA cell line derivedfrom the African green monkey kidney cell line CV1 (ATCC CCL 70) (seeMcMahan et al., 1991, EMBO J. 10:2821), human embryonic kidney cellssuch as 293,293 EBNA or MSR 293, human epidermal A431 cells, humanColo205 cells, other transformed primate cell lines, normal diploidcells, cell strains derived from in vitro culture of primary tissue,primary explants, HL-60, U937, HaK or Jurkat cells. Typically, a hostcell is a cultured cell that can be transformed or transfected with apolypeptide-encoding nucleic acid, which can then be expressed in thehost cell. The phrase “recombinant host cell” can be used to denote ahost cell that has been transformed or transfected with a nucleic acidto be expressed. A host cell also can be a cell that comprises thenucleic acid but does not express it at a desired level unless aregulatory sequence is introduced into the host cell such that itbecomes operably linked with the nucleic acid. It is understood that theterm host cell refers not only to the particular subject cell but alsoto the progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Because certainmodifications may occur in succeeding generations due to, e.g., mutationor environmental influence, such progeny may not, in fact, be identicalto the parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the termas used herein.

PAR-2

As discussed previously, PAR-2 is member of the seven-transmembraneG-coupled receptor superfamily; activation is initiated by proteolyticcleavage of the N terminus to form a tethered ligand. The nucleotide andamino acid sequences of human PAR-2 are shown in SEQ ID NOs:1 and 2; theamino acid sequence of mouse PAR-2 is shown in SEQ ID NO:3 and that ofrat PAR-2 is shown in SEQ ID NO:4. Proteolytic cleavage yields theactive form of this receptor, which is referred to interchangeablyherein as “cleaved” or “clipped” PAR-2.

Antigen Binding Proteins

In one aspect, the present invention provides antigen binding proteins(e.g., antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody derivatives, antibodymuteins, and antibody variants) that bind to PAR-2, e.g., human PAR-2.

Antigen binding proteins in accordance with the present inventioninclude antigen binding proteins that inhibit a biological activity ofPAR-2. Examples of such biological activities include activation ofG-protein-coupled receptor-mediated common signal transduction pathwayssuch as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production and mobilization ofCa(2+), and activation of multiple kinase pathways, including ERK,p38MAPK, JNK, and IKK. Other biological activities include thosemediated by PAR-2 in vivo, such as the response to trauma andinflammation; in particular, PAR-2 is involved in the cardiovascular,pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems, where it controls inflammationand nociception (perception of pain). PAR-2 activation also plays a rolein the inflammatory response, chronic activation of which can lead todisease conditions.

Different antigen binding proteins may bind to different domains orepitopes of PAR-2 or act by different mechanisms of action. Examplesinclude but are not limited to antigen binding proteins that interferewith proteolytic activation of PAR-2 or that inhibit signaltransduction. The site of action may be, for example, intracellular(e.g., by interfering with an intracellular signaling cascade) orextracellular. An antigen binding protein need not completely inhibitPAR-2 induced activity to find use in the present invention; rather,antigen binding proteins that reduce a particular activity of PAR-2 arecontemplated for use as well. (Discussions herein of particularmechanisms of action for PAR-2-binding antigen binding proteins intreating particular diseases are illustrative only, and the methodspresented herein are not bound thereby.)

Other derivatives of anti-PAR-2 antibodies within the scope of thisinvention include covalent or aggregative conjugates of anti-PAR-2antibodies, or fragments thereof, with other proteins or polypeptides,such as by expression of recombinant fusion proteins comprisingheterologous polypeptides fused to the N-terminus or C-terminus of ananti-PAR-2 antibody polypeptide. For example, the conjugated peptide maybe a heterologous signal (or leader) polypeptide, e.g., the yeastalpha-factor leader, or a peptide such as an epitope tag. Antigenbinding protein-containing fusion proteins can comprise peptides addedto facilitate purification or identification of antigen binding protein(e.g., poly-His). An antigen binding protein also can be linked to theFLAG® peptide Asp-Tyr-Lys-Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Lys (DYKDDDDK) (SEQ ID NO:7)as described in Hopp et al., Bio/Technology 6:1204, 1988, and U.S. Pat.No. 5,011,912. The FLAG® peptide is highly antigenic and provides anepitope reversibly bound by a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb),enabling rapid assay and facile purification of expressed recombinantprotein. Reagents useful for preparing fusion proteins in which theFLAG® peptide is fused to a given polypeptide are commercially available(Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis Mo.).

Oligomers that contain one or more antigen binding proteins may beemployed as PAR-2 antagonists. Oligomers may be in the form ofcovalently-linked or non-covalently-linked dimers, trimers, or higheroligomers. Oligomers comprising two or more antigen binding protein arecontemplated for use, with one example being a homodimer. Otheroligomers include heterodimers, homotrimers, heterotrimers,homotetramers, heterotetramers, etc.

One embodiment is directed to oligomers comprising multiple antigenbinding proteins joined via covalent or non-covalent interactionsbetween peptide moieties fused to the antigen binding proteins. Suchpeptides may be peptide linkers (spacers), or peptides that have theproperty of promoting oligomerization. Leucine zippers and certainpolypeptides derived from antibodies are among the peptides that canpromote oligomerization of antigen binding proteins attached thereto, asdescribed in more detail below.

In particular embodiments, the oligomers comprise from two to fourantigen binding proteins. The antigen binding proteins of the oligomermay be in any form, such as any of the forms described above, e.g.,variants or fragments. Preferably, the oligomers comprise antigenbinding proteins that have PAR-2 binding activity.

In one embodiment, an oligomer is prepared using polypeptides derivedfrom immunoglobulins. Preparation of Fusion Proteins Comprising CertainHeterologous Polypeptides Fused to Various Portions of antibody-derivedpolypeptides (including the Fc domain) has been described, e.g., byAshkenazi et al., 1991, PNAS USA 88:10535; Byrn et al., 1990, Nature344:677; and Hollenbaugh et al., 1992 “Construction of ImmunoglobulinFusion Proteins”, in Current Protocols in Immunology, Suppl. 4, pages10.19.1-10.19.11.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a dimercomprising two fusion proteins created by fusing a PAR-2 bindingfragment of an anti-PAR-2 antibody to the Fc region of an antibody. Thedimer can be made by, for example, inserting a gene fusion encoding thefusion protein into an appropriate expression vector, expressing thegene fusion in host cells transformed with the recombinant expressionvector, and allowing the expressed fusion protein to assemble much likeantibody molecules, whereupon interchain disulfide bonds form betweenthe Fc moieties to yield the dimer.

The term “Fc polypeptide” as used herein includes native and muteinforms of polypeptides derived from the Fc region of an antibody.Truncated forms of such polypeptides containing the hinge region thatpromotes dimerization also are included. Fusion proteins comprising Fcmoieties (and oligomers formed therefrom) offer the advantage of facilepurification by affinity chromatography over Protein A or Protein Gcolumns.

One suitable Fc polypeptide, described in PCT application WO 93/10151(hereby incorporated by reference), is a single chain polypeptideextending from the N-terminal hinge region to the native C-terminus ofthe Fc region of a human IgG1 antibody. Another useful Fc polypeptide isthe Fc mutein described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,035 and in Baum et al.,1994, EMBO J. 13:3992-4001. The amino acid sequence of this mutein isidentical to that of the native Fc sequence presented in WO 93/10151,except that amino acid 19 has been changed from Leu to Ala, amino acid20 has been changed from Leu to Glu, and amino acid 22 has been changedfrom Gly to Ala. The mutein exhibits reduced affinity for Fc receptors.

In other embodiments, the variable portion of the heavy and/or lightchains of an anti-PAR-2 antibody may be substituted for the variableportion of an antibody heavy and/or light chain.

Alternatively, the oligomer is a fusion protein comprising multipleantigen binding proteins, with or without peptide linkers (spacerpeptides). Among the suitable peptide linkers are those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,751,180 and 4,935,233.

Another method for preparing oligomeric antigen binding proteinsinvolves use of a leucine zipper. Leucine zipper domains are peptidesthat promote oligomerization of the proteins in which they are found.Leucine zippers were originally identified in several DNA-bindingproteins (Landschulz et al., 1988, Science 240:1759), and have sincebeen found in a variety of different proteins. Among the known leucinezippers are naturally occurring peptides and derivatives thereof thatdimerize or trimerize. Examples of leucine zipper domains suitable forproducing soluble oligomeric proteins are described in PCT applicationWO 94/10308, and the leucine zipper derived from lung surfactant proteinD (SPD) described in Hoppe et al., 1994, FEBS Letters 344:191, herebyincorporated by reference. The use of a modified leucine zipper thatallows for stable trimerization of a heterologous protein fused theretois described in Fanslow et al., 1994, Semin. Immunol. 6:267-78. In oneapproach, recombinant fusion proteins comprising an anti-PAR-2 antibodyfragment or derivative fused to a leucine zipper peptide are expressedin suitable host cells, and the soluble oligomeric anti-PAR-2 antibodyfragments or derivatives that form are recovered from the culturesupernatant.

In one aspect, the present invention provides antigen binding proteinsthat interfere with the proteolytic activation of a PAR-2. Such antigenbinding proteins can be made against PAR-2, or a fragment, variant orderivative thereof, and screened in conventional assays for the abilityto interfere with proteolytic activation of PAR-2. Examples of suitableassays are assays that test the antigen binding proteins for the abilityto inhibit proteolytic activation of cells expressing PAR-2, or thattest antigen binding proteins for the ability to reduce a biological orcellular response that results from the proteolytic activation of cellsurface PAR-2 receptors. Additional assays that test the antigen bindingproteins include those that qualitatively or quantitatively compare thebinding of an antigen binding protein to a full-length, uncleaved PAR-2polypeptide to the binding of a proteolytically cleaved PAR-2polypeptide, several examples of which are disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides antigen bindingproteins that bind to both cleaved PAR-2 and uncleaved PAR-2. Suchantigen binding proteins can be made and screened in conventional assayssuch as those described above.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that demonstrates species selectivity. In one embodiment, theantigen binding protein binds to one or more mammalian PAR-2, forexample, to human PAR-2 and one or more of mouse, rat, guinea pig,hamster, gerbil, cat, rabbit, dog, goat, sheep, cow, horse, camel, andnon-human primate PAR-2. In another embodiment, the antigen bindingprotein binds to one or more primate PAR-2, for example, to human PAR-2and one or more of cynomologous, marmoset, rhesus, and chimpanzee PAR-2.In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein binds specifically tohuman, cynomologous, marmoset, rhesus, or chimpanzee PAR-2. In anotherembodiment, the antigen binding protein does not bind to one or more ofmouse, rat, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, cat, rabbit, dog, goat, sheep,cow, horse, camel, and non-human primate PAR-2. In another embodiment,the antigen binding protein does not bind to a New World monkey speciessuch as a marmoset.

In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein does not exhibitspecific binding to any naturally occurring protein other than PAR-2. Inanother embodiment, the antigen binding protein does not exhibitspecific binding to any naturally occurring protein other than mammalianPAR-2. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein does notexhibit specific binding to any naturally occurring protein other thanprimate PAR-2. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein doesnot exhibit specific binding to any naturally occurring protein otherthan human PAR-2. In another embodiment, the antigen binding proteinspecifically binds to mouse, rat, cynomolgus monkey, and human PAR-2. Inanother embodiment, the antigen binding protein specifically binds tomouse, rat, cynomolgus monkey, and human PAR-2 with a similar bindingaffinity. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein blocksbinding of proteolytic activation of mouse, rat, cynomolgus monkey, andhuman PAR-2. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein has asimilar IC₅₀ against mouse, rat, cynomolgus monkey, and human PAR-2 in aCa2+ mobilization assay.

One may determine the selectivity of an antigen binding protein for aPAR-2 using methods well known in the art and following the teachings ofthe specification. For example, one may determine the selectivity usingWestern blot, FACS, ELISA or RIA.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a PAR-2 bindingantigen binding protein (for example, an anti-PAR-2 antibody), that hasone or more of the following characteristics: binds to both human andmurine PAR-2, inhibits the proteolytic activation of human PAR-2,inhibits the proteolytic activation of murine PAR-2, binds to or nearthe proteolytic cleavage site of PAR-2, causes relatively littledown-regulation of cell-surface expressed PAR-2.

Antigen-binding fragments of antigen binding proteins of the inventionmay be produced by conventional techniques. Examples of such fragmentsinclude, but are not limited to, Fab and F(ab′)₂ fragments. Antibodyfragments and derivatives produced by genetic engineering techniquesalso are contemplated.

Additional embodiments include chimeric antibodies, e.g., humanizedversions of non-human (e.g., murine) monoclonal antibodies. Suchhumanized antibodies may be prepared by known techniques, and offer theadvantage of reduced immunogenicity when the antibodies are administeredto humans. In one embodiment, a humanized monoclonal antibody comprisesthe variable domain of a murine antibody (or all or part of the antigenbinding site thereof) and a constant domain derived from a humanantibody. Alternatively, a humanized antibody fragment may comprise theantigen binding site of a murine monoclonal antibody and a variabledomain fragment (lacking the antigen-binding site) derived from a humanantibody. Procedures for the production of chimeric and furtherengineered monoclonal antibodies include those described in Riechmann etal., 1988, Nature 332:323, Liu et al., 1987, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA84:3439, Larrick et al., 1989, Bio/Technology 7:934, and Winter et al.,1993, TIPS 14:139. In one embodiment, the chimeric antibody is a CDRgrafted antibody. Techniques for humanizing antibodies are discussed in,e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/194,975 (published Feb. 27,2003), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,869,619, 5,225,539, 5,821,337, 5,859,205, Padlanet al., 1995, FASEB J. 9:133-39, and Tamura et al., 2000, J. Immunol.164:1432-41.

Procedures have been developed for generating human or partially humanantibodies in non-human animals. For example, mice in which one or moreendogenous immunoglobulin genes have been inactivated by various meanshave been prepared. Human immunoglobulin genes have been introduced intothe mice to replace the inactivated mouse genes. Antibodies produced inthe animal incorporate human immunoglobulin polypeptide chains encodedby the human genetic material introduced into the animal. In oneembodiment, a non-human animal, such as a transgenic mouse, is immunizedwith a PAR-2 polypeptide, such that antibodies directed against thePAR-2 polypeptide are generated in the animal. One example of a suitableimmunogen is a soluble human PAR-2, such as a polypeptide comprising theproteolytic cleavage site of PAR-2, or other immunogenic fragment PAR-2.Another example of a suitable immunogen is cells expressing high levelsof PAR-2, or cell membrane preparations therefrom.

Examples of techniques for production and use of transgenic animals forthe production of human or partially human antibodies are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,814,318, 5,569,825, and 5,545,806, Davis et al., 2003,Production of human antibodies from transgenic mice in Lo, ed. AntibodyEngineering: Methods and Protocols, Humana Press, N.J.:191-200,Kellermann et al., 2002, Curr Opin Biotechnol. 13:593-97, Russel et al.,2000, Infect Immun. 68:1820-26, Gallo et al., 2000, Eur J. Immun.30:534-40, Davis et al., 1999, Cancer Metastasis Rev. 18:421-25, Green,1999, J Immunol Methods. 231:11-23, Jakobovits, 1998, Adv Drug Deliv Rev31:33-42, Green et al., 1998, J Exp Med. 188:483-95, Jakobovits A, 1998,Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs. 7:607-14, Tsuda et al., 1997, Genomics42:413-21, Mendez et al., 1997, Nat. Genet. 15:146-56, Jakobovits, 1994,Curr Biol. 4:761-63, Arbones et al., 1994, Immunity. 1:247-60, Green etal., 1994, Nat. Genet. 7:13-21, Jakobovits et al., 1993, Nature362:255-58, Jakobovits et al., 1993, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 90:2551-55.Chen, J. et al., 1993, Int Immunol 5: 647-656, Choi et al., 1993, NatureGenetics 4: 117-23, Fishwild et al., 1996, Nat Biotechnol 14: 845-51,Harding et al., 1995, Ann NY Acad Sci, Lonberg et al., 1994, Nature 368:856-59, Lonberg, 1994, Transgenic Approaches to Human MonoclonalAntibodies in Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 113: 49-101, Lonberget al., 1995, Int Rev Immunol 13: 65-93, Neuberger, 1996, Nat Biotechnol14: 826, Taylor et al., 1992, Nucleic Acids Research 20: 6287-95, Tayloret al., 1994, Int Immunol 6: 579-91, Tomizuka et al., 1997, Nat Gen 16:133-43, Tomizuka et al., 2000, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 97: 722-27,Tuaillon et al., 1993, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 90: 3720-24, and Tuaillonet al., 1994, J Immunol 152: 2912-20. These and other examples are alsodiscussed in U.S. Patent application publication 2007-0098715, publishedMay 3, 2007.

In another aspect, the present invention provides monoclonal antibodiesthat bind to PAR-2. Monoclonal antibodies may be produced using anytechnique known in the art, e.g., by immortalizing spleen cellsharvested from the transgenic animal after completion of theimmunization schedule. The spleen cells can be immortalized using anytechnique known in the art, e.g., by fusing them with myeloma cells toproduce hybridomas. Myeloma cells for use in hybridoma-producing fusionprocedures preferably are non-antibody-producing, have high fusionefficiency, and enzyme deficiencies that render them incapable ofgrowing in certain selective media which support the growth of only thedesired fused cells (hybridomas). Examples of suitable cell lines foruse in mouse fusions include Sp-20, P3-X63/Ag8, P3-X63-Ag8.653, NS1/1.Ag4 1, Sp210-Ag14, FO, NSO/U, MPC-11, MPC11-X45-GTG 1.7 and S194/5XX0 Bul;examples of cell lines used in rat fusions include R210.RCY3, Y3-Ag1.2.3, IR983F and 48210. Other cell lines useful for cell fusions areU-266, GM1500-GRG2, LICR-LON-HMy2 and UC729-6.

In one embodiment, a hybridoma cell line is produced by immunizing ananimal (e.g., a transgenic animal having human immunoglobulin sequences)with a PAR-2 immunogen; harvesting spleen cells from the immunizedanimal; fusing the harvested spleen cells to a myeloma cell line,thereby generating hybridoma cells; establishing hybridoma cell linesfrom the hybridoma cells, and identifying a hybridoma cell line thatproduces an antibody that binds a PAR-2 polypeptide. Such hybridoma celllines, and anti-PAR-2 monoclonal antibodies produced by them, areencompassed by the present invention.

Monoclonal antibodies secreted by a hybridoma cell line can be purifiedusing any technique known in the art. Hybridomas or mAbs may be furtherscreened to identify mAbs with particular properties, such as theability to block a PAR-2 induced activity. Examples of such screens areprovided in the examples below.

Monoclonal antibodies can also be produced using a process referred toas genetic immunization. For example, a nucleic acid encoding theantigen of interest can be incorporated into a viral vector (such as anadenoviral vector). The resulting vector is then used to develop animmune response against the antigen of interest in a suitable hostanimal (for example, a non-obese diabetic, or NOD, mouse). Thistechniques is substantially described by Ritter et al., Biodrugs 16(1):3-10 (2002), the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

Molecular evolution of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) inthe center of the antibody binding site also has been used to isolateantibodies with increased affinity, for example, antibodies havingincreased affinity for c-erbB-2, as described by Schier et al., 1996, J.Mol. Biol. 263:551. Accordingly, such techniques are useful in preparingantibodies to PAR-2.

Antigen binding proteins directed against a PAR-2 can be used, forexample, in assays to detect the presence of PAR-2 polypeptides, eitherin vitro or in vivo. The antigen binding proteins also may be employedin purifying PAR-2 proteins by immunoaffinity chromatography. Thoseantigen binding proteins that additionally can block proteolyticactivation of PAR-2 may be used to inhibit a biological activity thatresults from such binding. Blocking antigen binding proteins can be usedin the methods of the present invention. Such antigen binding proteinsthat function as PAR-2 antagonists may be employed in treating anyPAR-2-induced condition, including but not limited to inflammatoryconditions. In one embodiment, a human anti-PAR-2 monoclonal antibodygenerated by procedures involving immunization of transgenic mice isemployed in treating such conditions.

Antigen binding proteins may be employed in an in vitro procedure, oradministered in vivo to inhibit a PAR-2-induced biological activity.Disorders caused or exacerbated (directly or indirectly) by theproteolytic activation of PAR-2, examples of which are provided herein,thus may be treated. In one embodiment, the present invention provides atherapeutic method comprising in vivo administration of a PAR-2 blockingantigen binding protein to a mammal in need thereof in an amounteffective for reducing a PAR-2-induced biological activity.

Antigen binding proteins of the invention include partially human andfully human monoclonal antibodies that inhibit a biological activity ofPAR-2. One embodiment is directed to a human monoclonal antibody that atleast partially blocks proteolytic activation of human PAR-2. In oneembodiment, the antibodies are generated by immunizing a transgenicmouse with a PAR-2 immunogen. In another embodiment, the immunogen is ahuman PAR-2 polypeptide (e.g., a soluble fragment comprising all or partof the PAR-2 cleavage site). Hybridoma cell lines derived from suchimmunized mice, wherein the hybridoma secretes a monoclonal antibodythat binds PAR-2, also are provided herein.

Although human, partially human, or humanized antibodies will besuitable for many applications, particularly those involvingadministration of the antibody to a human subject, other types ofantigen binding proteins will be suitable for certain applications. Thenon-human antibodies of the invention can be, for example, derived fromany antibody-producing animal, such as mouse, rat, rabbit, goat, donkey,or non-human primate (such as monkey (e.g., cynomologous or rhesusmonkey) or ape (e.g., chimpanzee)). Non-human antibodies of theinvention can be used, for example, in in vitro and cell-culture basedapplications, or any other application where an immune response to theantibody of the invention does not occur, is insignificant, can beprevented, is not a concern, or is desired. In one embodiment, anon-human antibody of the invention is administered to a non-humansubject. In another embodiment, the non-human antibody does not elicitan immune response in the non-human subject. In another embodiment, thenon-human antibody is from the same species as the non-human subject,e.g., a mouse antibody of the invention is administered to a mouse. Anantibody from a particular species can be made by, for example,immunizing an animal of that species with the desired immunogen (e.g., asoluble PAR-2 polypeptide) or using an artificial system for generatingantibodies of that species (e.g., a bacterial or phage display-basedsystem for generating antibodies of a particular species), or byconverting an antibody from one species into an antibody from anotherspecies by replacing, e.g., the constant region of the antibody with aconstant region from the other species, or by replacing one or moreamino acid residues of the antibody so that it more closely resemblesthe sequence of an antibody from the other species. In one embodiment,the antibody is a chimeric antibody comprising amino acid sequencesderived from antibodies from two or more different species.

Antigen binding proteins may be prepared by any of a number ofconventional techniques. For example, they may be purified from cellsthat naturally express them (e.g., an antibody can be purified from ahybridoma that produces it), or produced in recombinant expressionsystems, using any technique known in the art. See, for example,Monoclonal Antibodies, Hybridomas: A New Dimension in BiologicalAnalyses, Kennet et al. (eds.), Plenum Press, New York (1980); andAntibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Harlow and Land (eds.), Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., (1988).

Any expression system known in the art can be used to make therecombinant polypeptides of the invention. In general, host cells aretransformed with a recombinant expression vector that comprises DNAencoding a desired polypeptide. Among the host cells that may beemployed are prokaryotes, yeast or higher eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotesinclude gram negative or gram positive organisms, for example E. coli orbacilli. Higher eukaryotic cells include insect cells and establishedcell lines of mammalian origin. Examples of suitable mammalian host celllines include the COS-7 line of monkey kidney cells (ATCC CRL 1651)(Gluzman et al., 1981, Cell 23:175), L cells, 293 cells, C127 cells, 3T3cells (ATCC CCL 163), Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, BHK(ATCC CRL 10) cell lines, and the CV1/EBNA cell line derived from theAfrican green monkey kidney cell line CV1 (ATCC CCL 70) as described byMcMahan et al., 1991, EMBO J. 10: 2821. Appropriate cloning andexpression vectors for use with bacterial, fungal, yeast, and mammaliancellular hosts are described by Pouwels et al. (Cloning Vectors: ALaboratory Manual, Elsevier, N.Y., 1985).

The transformed cells can be cultured under conditions that promoteexpression of the polypeptide, and the polypeptide recovered byconventional protein purification procedures. One such purificationprocedure includes the use of affinity chromatography, e.g., over amatrix having all or a portion (e.g., the extracellular domain) of PAR-2bound thereto. Polypeptides contemplated for use herein includesubstantially homogeneous recombinant mammalian anti-PAR-2 antibodypolypeptides substantially free of contaminating endogenous materials.

Antigen binding proteins may be prepared, and screened for desiredproperties, by any of a number of known techniques. Certain of thetechniques involve isolating a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide chain(or portion thereof) of an antigen binding protein of interest (e.g., ananti-PAR-2 antibody), and manipulating the nucleic acid throughrecombinant DNA technology. The nucleic acid may be fused to anothernucleic acid of interest, or altered (e.g., by mutagenesis or otherconventional techniques) to add, delete, or substitute one or more aminoacid residues, for example.

In one aspect, the present invention provides antigen-binding fragmentsof an anti-PAR-2 antibody of the invention. Such fragments can consistentirely of antibody-derived sequences or can comprise additionalsequences. Examples of antigen-binding fragments include Fab, F(ab′)₂,single chain antibodies, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and domainantibodies. Other examples are provided in Lunde et al., 2002, Biochem.Soc. Trans. 30:500-06.

Single chain antibodies may be formed by linking heavy and light chainvariable domain (Fv region) fragments via an amino acid bridge (shortpeptide linker), resulting in a single polypeptide chain. Suchsingle-chain Fvs (scFvs) have been prepared by fusing DNA encoding apeptide linker between DNAs encoding the two variable domainpolypeptides (V_(L) and V_(H)). The resulting polypeptides can fold backon themselves to form antigen-binding monomers, or they can formmultimers (e.g., dimers, trimers, or tetramers), depending on the lengthof a flexible linker between the two variable domains (Kortt et al.,1997, Prot. Eng. 10:423; Kortt et al., 2001, Biomol. Eng. 18:95-108). Bycombining different V_(L) and V_(H)-comprising polypeptides, one canform multimeric scFvs that bind to different epitopes (Kriangkum et al.,2001, Biomol. Eng. 18:31-40). Techniques developed for the production ofsingle chain antibodies include those described in U.S. Pat. No.4,946,778; Bird, 1988, Science 242:423; Huston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879; Ward et al., 1989, Nature 334:544, de Graaf etal., 2002, Methods Mol. Biol. 178:379-87.

Antigen binding proteins (e.g., antibodies, antibody fragments, andantibody derivatives) of the invention can comprise any constant regionknown in the art. The light chain constant region can be, for example, akappa- or lambda-type light chain constant region, e.g., a human kappa-or lambda-type light chain constant region. The heavy chain constantregion can be, for example, an alpha-, delta-, epsilon-, gamma-, ormu-type heavy chain constant regions, e.g., a human alpha-, delta-,epsilon-, gamma-, or mu-type heavy chain constant region. In oneembodiment, the light or heavy chain constant region is a fragment,derivative, variant, or mutein of a naturally occurring constant region.

Techniques are known for deriving an antibody of a different subclass orisotype from an antibody of interest, i.e., subclass switching. Thus,IgG antibodies may be derived from an IgM antibody, for example, andvice versa. Such techniques allow the preparation of new antibodies thatpossess the antigen-binding properties of a given antibody (the parentantibody), but also exhibit biological properties associated with anantibody isotype or subclass different from that of the parent antibody.Recombinant DNA techniques may be employed. Cloned DNA encodingparticular antibody polypeptides may be employed in such procedures,e.g., DNA encoding the constant domain of an antibody of the desiredisotype. See also Lantto et al., 2002, Methods Mol. Biol. 178:303-16.Moreover, if an IgG4 is desired, it may also be desired to introduce apoint mutation (CPSCP->CPPCP) in the hinge region as described in Bloomet al., 1997, Protein Science 6:407, incorporated by reference herein)to alleviate a tendency to form intra-H chain disulfide bonds that canlead to heterogeneity in the IgG4 antibodies.

Moreover, techniques for deriving antigen binding proteins havingdifferent properties (i.e., varying affinities for the antigen to whichthey bind) are also known. One such technique, referred to as chainshuffling, involves displaying immunoglobulin variable domain generepertoires on the surface of filamentous bacteriophage, often referredto as phage display. Chain shuffling has been used to prepare highaffinity antibodies to the hapten 2-phenyloxazol-5-one, as described byMarks et al., 1992, BioTechnology, 10:779.

In particular embodiments, antigen binding proteins of the presentinvention have a binding affinity (K_(a)) for PAR-2 of at least 10⁶. Inother embodiments, the antigen binding proteins exhibit a K₈ of at least10⁷, at least 10⁸, at least 10⁹, or at least 10¹⁰. In anotherembodiment, the antigen binding protein exhibits a K_(a) substantiallythe same as that of an antibody described herein in the Examples.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that has a low dissociation rate from PAR-2. In one embodiment,the antigen binding protein has a K_(off) of 1×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ or lower. Inanother embodiment, the K_(off) is 5×10⁻⁵ s⁻¹ or lower. In anotherembodiment, the K_(off) is substantially the same as an antibodydescribed herein in the Examples. In another embodiment, the antigenbinding protein binds to PAR-2 with substantially the same K_(off) as anantibody described herein in the Examples.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that inhibits an activity of PAR-2, for example Ca2+mobilization. In one embodiment, the antigen binding protein has an IC₅₀of 1000 nM or lower. In another embodiment, the IC₅₀ is 100 nM or lower;in another embodiment, the IC₅₀ is 10 nM or lower. In anotherembodiment, the IC₅₀ is substantially the same as that of an antibodydescribed herein in the Examples. In another embodiment, the antigenbinding protein inhibits an activity of PAR-2 with substantially thesame IC₅₀ as an antibody described herein in the Examples.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that binds to full-length PAR-2 and binds to a lesser extent tocleaved PAR-2. In various embodiments, the antigen binding protein bindsto full-length PAR-2 by at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, and 99.9% more than it binds to cleaved PAR-2.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that binds at or near the protease cleavage site of human PAR-2.In one embodiment, an antigen binding protein binds downstream of thecleavage site (i.e., binds both full length and truncated amino-terminalPAR-2-Fc; in another embodiment, whereas an antigen binding proteinbinds upstream of the cleavage site (i.e., binds only the full-lengthPAR-2/Fc). Antigen binding proteins that bind to the protease cleavagesite can be made using any technique known in the art. For example, suchantigen binding proteins can be isolated using the full-length PAR-2polypeptide (e.g., in a membrane-bound preparation), a solubleextracellular domain fragment of PAR-2, or a smaller fragment of thePAR-2 extracellular domain comprising or consisting of the proteasecleavage site (examples of which are provided herein). Antigen bindingproteins so isolated can be screened to determine their bindingspecificity using any method known in the art (examples of which areprovided herein).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that competes for binding to PAR-2 with an antibody disclosedherein. Such competitive ability can be determined by methods that arewell-known in the art, for example by competition in binding to PAR-2/Fcin a Western blot (or another peptide-based assay), or by competition ina Ca2+ flux assay as described herein. In one aspect, an antigen bindingprotein that competes for binding to PAR-2 with an antibody disclosedherein binds the same epitope as the antibody. In another aspect, theantigen binding protein that competes for binding to PAR-2 with anantibody disclosed herein inhibits proteolytic activation of PAR-2.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that binds to human PAR-2 expressed on the surface of a celland, when so bound, inhibits PAR-2 signaling activity in the cellwithout causing a significant reduction in the amount of PAR-2 on thesurface of the cell. Any method for determining or estimating the amountof PAR-2 on the surface and/or in the interior of the cell can be used.In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein that binds to or near the protease cleavage site of a humanPAR-2 expressed on the surface of a cell and, when so bound, inhibitsPAR-2 signaling activity in the cell without significantly increasingthe rate of internalization of the PAR-2 from the surface of the cell.In other embodiments, binding of the antigen binding protein to thePAR-2-expressing cell causes less than about 75%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%,15%, 10%, 5%, 1%, or 0.1% of the cell-surface PAR-2 to be internalized.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an antigen bindingprotein having a half-life of at least one day in vitro or in vivo(e.g., when administered to a human subject). In one embodiment, theantigen binding protein has a half-life of at least three days. Inanother embodiment, the antigen binding protein has a half-life of fourdays or longer. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein has ahalf-life of eight days or longer. In another embodiment, the antigenbinding protein is derivatized or modified such that it has a longerhalf-life as compared to the underivatized or unmodified antigen bindingprotein. In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein contains oneor more point mutations to increase serum half life, such as describedin WO 00/09560, published Feb. 24, 2000, incorporated by reference.

The present invention further provides multi-specific antigen bindingproteins, for example, bispecific antigen binding protein, e.g., antigenbinding protein that bind to two different epitopes of PAR-2, or to anepitope of PAR-2 and an epitope of another molecule, via two differentantigen binding sites or regions. Moreover, bispecific antigen bindingprotein as disclosed herein can comprise a PAR-2 binding site from oneof the herein-described antibodies and a second PAR-2 binding regionfrom another of the herein-described antibodies, including thosedescribed herein by reference to other publications. Alternatively, abispecific antigen binding protein may comprise an antigen binding sitefrom one of the herein described antibodies and a second antigen bindingsite from another PAR-2 antibody that is known in the art, or from anantibody that is prepared by known methods or the methods describedherein.

Numerous methods of preparing bispecific antibodies are known in theart, and discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/839,632, filedApr. 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference herein). Such methods includethe use of hybrid-hybridomas as described by Milstein et al., 1983,Nature 305:537, and others (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,474,893, 6,106,833), andchemical coupling of antibody fragments (Brennan et al., 1985, Science229:81; Glennie et al., 1987, J. Immunol. 139:2367; U.S. Pat. No.6,010,902). Moreover, bispecific antibodies can be produced viarecombinant means, for example by using leucine zipper moieties (i.e.,from the Fos and Jun proteins, which preferentially form heterodimers;Kostelny et al., 1992, J. Immunol. 148:1547) or other lock and keyinteractive domain structures as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,996.Additional useful techniques include those described in Kortt et al.,1997, supra; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,959,083; and 5,807,706.

In another aspect, the antigen binding protein of the present inventioncomprises a derivative of an antibody. The derivatized antibody cancomprise any molecule or substance that imparts a desired property tothe antibody, such as increased half-life in a particular use. Thederivatized antibody can comprise, for example, a detectable (orlabeling) moiety (e.g., a radioactive, colorimetric, antigenic orenzymatic molecule, a detectable bead (such as a magnetic orelectrodense (e.g., gold) bead), or a molecule that binds to anothermolecule (e.g., biotin or streptavidin)), a therapeutic or diagnosticmoiety (e.g., a radioactive, cytotoxic, or pharmaceutically activemoiety), or a molecule that increases the suitability of the antibodyfor a particular use (e.g., administration to a subject, such as a humansubject, or other in vivo or in vitro uses). Examples of molecules thatcan be used to derivatize an antibody include albumin (e.g., human serumalbumin) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Albumin-linked and PEGylatedderivatives of antibodies can be prepared using techniques well known inthe art. In one embodiment, the antibody is conjugated or otherwiselinked to transthyretin (TTR) or a TTR variant. The TTR or TTR variantcan be chemically modified with, for example, a chemical selected fromthe group consisting of dextran, poly(n-vinyl pyurrolidone),polyethylene glycols, propropylene glycol homopolymers, polypropyleneoxide/ethylene oxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyols and polyvinylalcohols. US Pat. App. No. 20030195154.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of screeningfor a molecule that binds to PAR-2 using the antigen binding proteins ofthe present invention. Any suitable screening technique can be used. Inone embodiment, a PAR-2 molecule, or a fragment thereof to which anantigen binding protein of the present invention binds, is contactedwith the antigen binding protein of the invention and with anothermolecule, wherein the other molecule binds to PAR-2 if it reduces thebinding of the antigen binding protein to PAR-2. Binding of the antigenbinding protein can be detected using any suitable method, e.g., anELISA. Detection of binding of the antigen binding protein to PAR-2 canbe simplified by detectably labeling the antigen binding protein, asdiscussed above. In another embodiment, the PAR-2-binding molecule isfurther analyzed to determine whether it inhibits PAR-2 activationand/or signaling.

Nucleic Acids

In one aspect, the present invention provides isolated nucleic acidmolecules. The nucleic acids comprise, for example, polynucleotides thatencode all or part of an antigen binding protein, for example, one orboth chains of an antibody of the invention, or a fragment, derivative,mutein, or variant thereof, polynucleotides sufficient for use ashybridization probes, PCR primers or sequencing primers for identifying,analyzing, mutating or amplifying a polynucleotide encoding apolypeptide, anti-sense nucleic acids for inhibiting expression of apolynucleotide, and complementary sequences of the foregoing. Thenucleic acids can be any length. They can be, for example, 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350,400, 450, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,500, 3,000, 5,000 or more nucleotides inlength, and/or can comprise one or more additional sequences, forexample, regulatory sequences, and/or be part of a larger nucleic acid,for example, a vector. The nucleic acids can be single-stranded ordouble-stranded and can comprise RNA and/or DNA nucleotides, andartificial variants thereof (e.g., peptide nucleic acids).

Nucleic acids encoding antibody polypeptides (e.g., heavy or lightchain, variable domain only, or full length) may be isolated fromB-cells of mice that have been immunized with PAR-2. The nucleic acidmay be isolated by conventional procedures such as polymerase chainreaction (PCR).

The invention further provides nucleic acids that hybridize to othernucleic acids under particular hybridization conditions. Methods forhybridizing nucleic acids are well-known in the art. See, e.g., CurrentProtocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989),6.3.1-6.3.6. As defined herein, a moderately stringent hybridizationcondition uses a prewashing solution containing 5× sodiumchloride/sodium citrate (SSC), 0.5% SDS, 1.0 mM EDTA (pH 8.0),hybridization buffer of about 50% formamide, 6×SSC, and a hybridizationtemperature of 55° C. (or other similar hybridization solutions, such asone containing about 50% formamide, with a hybridization temperature of42° C.), and washing conditions of 60° C., in 0.5×SSC, 0.1% SDS. Astringent hybridization condition hybridizes in 6×SSC at 45° C.,followed by one or more washes in 0.1×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 68° C.Furthermore, one of skill in the art can manipulate the hybridizationand/or washing conditions to increase or decrease the stringency ofhybridization such that nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequencesthat are at least 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98 or 99% identical toeach other typically remain hybridized to each other. The basicparameters affecting the choice of hybridization conditions and guidancefor devising suitable conditions are set forth by, for example,Sambrook, Fritsch, and Maniatis (1989, Molecular Cloning: A LaboratoryManual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.,chapters 9 and 11; and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, 1995,Ausubel et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., sections 2.10 and6.3-6.4), and can be readily determined by those having ordinary skillin the art based on, for example, the length and/or base composition ofthe DNA.

Changes can be introduced by mutation into a nucleic acid, therebyleading to changes in the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide (e.g., anantigen binding protein) that it encodes. Mutations can be introducedusing any technique known in the art. In one embodiment, one or moreparticular amino acid residues are changed using, for example, asite-directed mutagenesis protocol. In another embodiment, one or morerandomly selected residues is changed using, for example, a randommutagenesis protocol. However it is made, a mutant polypeptide can beexpressed and screened for a desired property (e.g., binding to PAR-2 orblocking the proteolytic activation of PAR-2).

Mutations can be introduced into a nucleic acid without significantlyaltering the biological activity of a polypeptide that it encodes. Forexample, one can make nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acidsubstitutions at non-essential amino acid residues. In one embodiment, anucleotide sequence, or a desired fragment, variant, or derivativethereof, is mutated such that it encodes an amino acid sequencecomprising one or more deletions or substitutions of amino acidresidues. In another embodiment, the mutagenesis inserts an amino acidadjacent to one or more amino acid residues. Alternatively, one or moremutations can be introduced into a nucleic acid that selectively changethe biological activity (e.g., binding of PAR-2, inhibiting proteolyticactivation of PAR-2, etc.) of a polypeptide that it encodes. Forexample, the mutation can quantitatively or qualitatively change thebiological activity. Examples of quantitative changes includeincreasing, reducing or eliminating the activity. Examples ofqualitative changes include changing the antigen specificity of anantigen binding protein.

In another aspect, the present invention provides nucleic acid moleculesthat are suitable for use as primers or hybridization probes for thedetection of nucleic acid sequences of the invention. A nucleic acidmolecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of a nucleic acidsequence encoding a full-length polypeptide of the invention, forexample, a fragment that can be used as a probe or primer or a fragmentencoding an active portion (e.g., a PAR-2 binding portion) of apolypeptide of the invention.

Probes based on the sequence of a nucleic acid of the invention can beused to detect the nucleic acid or similar nucleic acids, for example,transcripts encoding a polypeptide of the invention. The probe cancomprise a label group, e.g., a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, anenzyme, or an enzyme co-factor. Such probes can be used to identify acell that expresses the polypeptide.

In another aspect, the present invention provides vectors comprising anucleic acid encoding a polypeptide of the invention or a portionthereof. Examples of vectors include, but are not limited to, plasmids,viral vectors, non-episomal mammalian vectors and expression vectors,for example, recombinant expression vectors.

The recombinant expression vectors of the invention can comprise anucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of thenucleic acid in a host cell. The recombinant expression vectors includeone or more regulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the hostcells to be used for expression, which is operably linked to the nucleicacid sequence to be expressed. Regulatory sequences include those thatdirect constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types ofhost cells (e.g., SV40 early gene enhancer, Rous sarcoma virus promoterand cytomegalovirus promoter), those that direct expression of thenucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specificregulatory sequences, see Voss et al., 1986, Trends Biochem. Sci.11:287, Maniatis et al., 1987, Science 236:1237, incorporated byreference herein in their entireties), and those that direct inducibleexpression of a nucleotide sequence in response to particular treatmentor condition (e.g., the metallothionin promoter in mammalian cells andthe tet-responsive and/or streptomycin responsive promoter in bothprokaryotic and eukaryotic systems (see id.). It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector candepend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed,the level of expression of protein desired, etc. The expression vectorsof the invention can be introduced into host cells to thereby produceproteins or peptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded bynucleic acids as described herein.

In another aspect, the present invention provides host cells into whicha recombinant expression vector of the invention has been introduced. Ahost cell can be any prokaryotic cell (for example, E. coli) oreukaryotic cell (for example, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells (e.g.,CHO cells)). Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryoticcells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. Forstable transfection of mammalian cells, it is known that, depending uponthe expression vector and transfection technique used, only a smallfraction of cells may integrate the foreign DNA into their genome. Inorder to identify and select these integrants, a gene that encodes aselectable marker (e.g., for resistance to antibiotics) is generallyintroduced into the host cells along with the gene of interest.Preferred selectable markers include those that confer resistance todrugs, such as G418, hygromycin and methotrexate. Cells stablytransfected with the introduced nucleic acid can be identified by drugselection (e.g., cells that have incorporated the selectable marker genewill survive, while the other cells die), among other methods.

Indications

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating asubject. The method can, for example, have a generally salubrious effecton the subject, e.g., it can increase the subject's expected longevity.Alternatively, the method can, for example, treat, prevent, cure,relieve, or ameliorate (“treat”) a disease, disorder, condition, orillness (“a condition”). Among the conditions to be treated inaccordance with the present invention are conditions characterized byinappropriate expression or activity of PAR-2. In some such conditions,the expression or activity level is too high, and the treatmentcomprises administering a PAR-2 antagonist as described herein.

Specific medical conditions and diseases that are treatable orpreventable with the antigen binding proteins of this invention includeinflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal system, includingcoeliac disease, Crohn's disease; ulcerative colitis; idiopathicgastroparesis; pancreatitis, including chronic pancreatitis;inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers, including gastric and duodenalulcers. The antigen binding proteins of this invention are also usefulin treating or ameliorating inflammatory conditions of the airway, suchas asthma (including extrinsic and intrinsic asthma as well as relatedchronic inflammatory conditions, or hyperresponsiveness, of theairways), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD. i.e., chronicbronchitis, emphysema), Acute Respiratory Disorder Syndrome (ARDS),respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension,pulmonary vasoconstriction, acute lung injury, allergic bronchopulmonaryaspergillosis, hypersensitivity pneumonia, eosinophilic pneumonia,bronchitis, allergic bronchitis bronchiectasis, tuberculosis,hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational asthma, asthma-likedisorders, sarcoid, reactive airway disease (or dysfunction) syndrome,byssinosis, interstitial lung disease, hyper-eosinophilic syndrome,rhinitis, sinusitis, and parasitic lung disease, airwayhyperresponsiveness associated with viral-induced conditions (forexample, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV),rhinovirus (RV) and adenovirus).

Rheumatic disorders that are treatable with the antigen binding proteinsof this invention include adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis;scleroderma; systemic lupus erythematosus; lupus-like syndromes;undifferentiated connective tissue disease; gout; osteoarthritis;polymyalgia rheumatica; seronegative spondylarthropathies, includingankylosing spondylitis, and Reiter's disease, psoriatic arthritis andchronic Lyme arthritis. Also treatable or preventable with thesepolypeptides are Still's disease and uveitis associated with rheumatoidarthritis. In addition, the polypeptide therapies of the invention areused in treating disorders resulting in inflammation of the voluntarymuscle and other muscles, including dermatomyositis, inclusion bodymyositis, polymyositis, and lymphangioleimyomatosis. Additionaldisorders are also treatable with the present invention, includingGuillain-Barre disease, Type I diabetes mellitus, Graves' disease,Addison's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon (including Raynaud's disease andRaynaud's syndrome), autoimmune hepatitis, GVHD (graft versus hostdisease), and the like.

The disorders described herein can be treated with the antigen bindingproteins of this invention in combination with other cytokines, cytokineinhibitors and reagents (also referred to herein as immunomodulators).For example, immunomodulators include IL-18 antagonists such as solubleIL-18 receptor, antibodies to IL-18 or the IL-18 receptor, IL-18 bindingprotein; TNF inhibitors, including ENBREL®; IL-1 inhibitors, includingsoluble forms of type I IL-1R, type II IL-1R, antibodies to IL-1,antibodies to type I IL-1R; and or other active agents that areeffective in treating the disclosed medical conditions and diseases.

The compositions and/or methods of the present invention also can beused, for example, in cosmetic treatments, in veterinary treatments, toincrease longevity, to treat reproductive defects, and to treat avariety of PAR-2 related disorders. In addition, in certain suchconditions, the expression or activity level of PAR-2 is too low, andthe treatment comprises administering a PAR-2 agonist; such treatmentsare also comprehended herein.

Therapeutic Methods and Administration of Antigen Binding Proteins

Certain methods provided herein comprise administering a PAR-2 bindingantigen binding protein to a subject, thereby reducing a PAR-2-inducedbiological response that plays a role in a particular condition. Inparticular embodiments, methods of the invention involve contactingendogenous PAR-2 with a PAR-2 binding antigen binding protein, e.g., viaadministration to a subject or in an ex vivo procedure.

The term “treatment” encompasses alleviation or prevention of at leastone symptom or other aspect of a disorder, or reduction of diseaseseverity, and the like. An antigen binding protein need not effect acomplete cure, or eradicate every symptom or manifestation of a disease,to constitute a viable therapeutic agent. As is recognized in thepertinent field, drugs employed as therapeutic agents may reduce theseverity of a given disease state, but need not abolish everymanifestation of the disease to be regarded as useful therapeuticagents. Similarly, a prophylactically administered treatment need not becompletely effective in preventing the onset of a condition in order toconstitute a viable prophylactic agent. Simply reducing the impact of adisease (for example, by reducing the number or severity of itssymptoms, or by increasing the effectiveness of another treatment, or byproducing another beneficial effect), or reducing the likelihood thatthe disease will occur or worsen in a subject, is sufficient. Oneembodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprisingadministering to a patient a PAR-2 antagonist in an amount and for atime sufficient to induce a sustained improvement over baseline of anindicator that reflects the severity of the particular disorder.

As is understood in the pertinent field, pharmaceutical compositionscomprising the molecules of the invention are administered to a subjectin a manner appropriate to the indication. Pharmaceutical compositionsmay be administered by any suitable technique, including but not limitedto parenterally, topically, or by inhalation. If injected, thepharmaceutical composition can be administered, for example, viaintra-articular, intravenous, intramuscular, intralesional,intraperitoneal or subcutaneous routes, by bolus injection, orcontinuous infusion. Localized administration, e.g. at a site of diseaseor injury is contemplated, as are transdermal delivery and sustainedrelease from implants. Delivery by inhalation includes, for example,nasal or oral inhalation, use of a nebulizer, inhalation of theantagonist in aerosol form, and the like. Other alternatives includeeyedrops; oral preparations including pills, syrups, lozenges or chewinggum; and topical preparations such as lotions, gels, sprays, andointments.

Use of antigen binding proteins in ex vivo procedures also iscontemplated. For example, a patient's blood or other bodily fluid maybe contacted with an antigen binding protein that binds PAR-2 ex vivo.The antigen binding protein may be bound to a suitable insoluble matrixor solid support material.

Advantageously, antigen binding proteins are administered in the form ofa composition comprising one or more additional components such as aphysiologically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent. Optionally,the composition additionally comprises one or more physiologicallyactive agents, for example, a second inflammation- or immune-inhibitingsubstance, an anti-angiogenic substance, an analgesic substance, etc.,non-exclusive examples of which are provided herein. In variousparticular embodiments, the composition comprises one, two, three, four,five, or six physiologically active agents in addition to a PAR-2binding antigen binding protein

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprise an antigenbinding protein of the invention together with one or more substancesselected from the group consisting of a buffer, an antioxidant such asascorbic acid, a low molecular weight polypeptide (such as those havingfewer than 10 amino acids), a protein, an amino acid, a carbohydratesuch as glucose, sucrose or dextrins, a chelating agent such as EDTA,glutathione, a stabilizer, and an excipient. Neutral buffered saline orsaline mixed with conspecific serum albumin are examples of appropriatediluents. In accordance with appropriate industry standards,preservatives such as benzyl alcohol may also be added. The compositionmay be formulated as a lyophilizate using appropriate excipientsolutions (e.g., sucrose) as diluents. Suitable components are nontoxicto recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed. Furtherexamples of components that may be employed in pharmaceuticalformulations are presented in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,16^(th) Ed. (1980) and 20^(th) Ed. (2000), Mack Publishing Company,Easton, Pa.

Kits for use by medical practitioners include a PAR-2-inhibitingsubstance of the invention and a label or other instructions for use intreating any of the conditions discussed herein. In one embodiment, thekit includes a sterile preparation of one or more PAR-2 binding antigenbinding proteins, which may be in the form of a composition as disclosedabove, and may be in one or more vials.

Dosages and the frequency of administration may vary according to suchfactors as the route of administration, the particular antigen bindingproteins employed, the nature and severity of the disease to be treated,whether the condition is acute or chronic, and the size and generalcondition of the subject. Appropriate dosages can be determined byprocedures known in the pertinent art, e.g. in clinical trials that mayinvolve dose escalation studies.

A PAR-2 inhibiting substance of the invention may be administered, forexample, once or more than once, e.g., at regular intervals over aperiod of time. In particular embodiments, an antigen binding protein isadministered over a period of at least a month or more, e.g., for one,two, or three months or even indefinitely. For treating chronicconditions, long-term treatment is generally most effective. However,for treating acute conditions, administration for shorter periods, e.g.from one to six weeks, may be sufficient. In general, the antigenbinding protein is administered until the patient manifests a medicallyrelevant degree of improvement over baseline for the chosen indicator orindicators.

Particular embodiments of the present invention involve administering anantigen binding protein at a dosage of from about 1 ng of antigenbinding protein per kg of subject's weight per day (“1 ng/kg/day”) toabout 10 mg/kg/day, more preferably from about 500 ng/kg/day to about 5mg/kg/day, and most preferably from about 5 μg/kg/day to about 2mg/kg/day, to a subject. In additional embodiments, an antigen bindingprotein is administered to adults one time per week, two times per week,or three or more times per week, to treat a PAR-2 mediated disease,condition or disorder, e.g., a medical disorder disclosed herein. Ifinjected, the effective amount of antigen binding protein per adult dosemay range from 1-20 mg/m², and preferably is about 5-12 mg/m².Alternatively, a flat dose may be administered; the amount may rangefrom 5-100 mg/dose. One range for a flat dose is about 20-30 mg perdose. In one embodiment of the invention, a flat dose of 25 mg/dose isrepeatedly administered by injection. If a route of administration otherthan injection is used, the dose is appropriately adjusted in accordancewith standard medical practices. One example of a therapeutic regimeninvolves injecting a dose of about 20-30 mg of antigen binding proteinto one to three times per week over a period of at least three weeks,though treatment for longer periods may be necessary to induce thedesired degree of improvement. For pediatric subjects (age 4-17), oneexemplary suitable regimen involves the subcutaneous injection of 0.4mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 25 mg of antigen binding proteinadministered two or three times per week.

Particular embodiments of the methods provided herein involvesubcutaneous injection of from 0.5 mg to 10 mg, preferably from 3 to 5mg, of an antigen binding protein, once or twice per week. Anotherembodiment is directed to pulmonary administration (e.g., by nebulizer)of 3 or more mg of antigen binding protein once a week.

Examples of therapeutic regimens provided herein comprise subcutaneousinjection of an antigen binding protein once a week, at a dose of 1.5 to3 mg, to treat a condition in which PAR-2 signaling plays a role.Examples of such conditions are provided herein and include, forexample, rheumatic conditions as previously described, and otherconditions in which excessive inflammation plays a role (describedherein; for example, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, etc).Weekly administration of antigen binding protein is continued until adesired result is achieved, e.g., the subject's symptoms subside.Treatment may resume as needed, or, alternatively, maintenance doses maybe administered.

Other examples of therapeutic regimens provided herein comprisesubcutaneous or intravenous administration of a dose of 1, 3, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, or 20 milligrams of a PAR-2 inhibitor of thepresent invention per kilogram body mass of the subject (mg/kg). Thedose can be administered once to the subject, or more than once at acertain interval, for example, once a day, three times a week, twice aweek, once a week, three times a month, twice a month, once a month,once every two months, once every three months, once every six months,or once a year. The duration of the treatment, and any changes to thedose and/or frequency of treatment, can be altered or varied during thecourse of treatment in order to meet the particular needs of thesubject.

In another embodiment, an antigen binding protein is administered to thesubject in an amount and for a time sufficient to induce an improvement,preferably a sustained improvement, in at least one indicator thatreflects the severity of the disorder that is being treated. Variousindicators that reflect the extent of the subject's illness, disease orcondition may be assessed for determining whether the amount and time ofthe treatment is sufficient. Such indicators include, for example,clinically recognized indicators of disease severity, symptoms, ormanifestations of the disorder in question. In one embodiment, animprovement is considered to be sustained if the subject exhibits theimprovement on at least two occasions separated by two to four weeks.The degree of improvement generally is determined by a physician, whomay make this determination based on signs, symptoms, biopsies, or othertest results, and who may also employ questionnaires that areadministered to the subject, such as quality-of-life questionnairesdeveloped for a given disease.

Elevated levels of PAR-2 and/or activation of PAR-2 are associated witha number of disorders, including, for example, inflammatory conditionsof the skin, joints, gastrointestinal system and/or airway. Subjectswith a given disorder may be screened, to identify those individuals whohave elevated PAR-2 activation, thereby identifying the subjects who maybenefit most from treatment with a PAR-2 binding antigen bindingprotein. Thus, treatment methods provided herein optionally comprise afirst step of measuring a subject's PAR-2 activation levels. An antigenbinding protein may be administered to a subject in whom PAR-2activation is elevated above normal.

A subject's levels of PAR-2 activity may be monitored before, duringand/or after treatment with an antigen binding protein, to detectchanges, if any, in PAR-2 activity. For some disorders, the incidence ofelevated PAR-2 activity may vary according to such factors as the stageof the disease or the particular form of the disease. Known techniquesmay be employed for measuring PAR-2 activity, e.g., in a subject'sserum, blood or tissue samples. PAR-2 activity may be measured using anysuitable technique.

Particular embodiments of methods and compositions of the inventioninvolve the use of an antigen binding protein and one or more additionalPAR-2 antagonists, for example, two or more antigen binding proteins ofthe invention, or an antigen binding protein of the invention and one ormore other PAR-2 antagonists. In further embodiments, antigen bindingprotein are administered alone or in combination with other agentsuseful for treating the condition with which the patient is afflicted.Examples of such agents include both proteinaceous and non-proteinaceousdrugs. When multiple therapeutics are co-administered, dosages may beadjusted accordingly, as is recognized in the pertinent art.“Co-administration” and combination therapy are not limited tosimultaneous administration, but also include treatment regimens inwhich an antigen binding protein is administered at least once during acourse of treatment that involves administering at least one othertherapeutic agent to the patient.

Examples of other agents that may be co-administered with an antigenbinding protein are other antigen binding proteins or therapeuticpolypeptides that are chosen according to the particular condition to betreated. Alternatively, non-proteinaceous drugs that are useful intreating one of the particular conditions discussed above may beco-administered with a PAR-2 antagonist.

Combination Therapy

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating asubject with a PAR-2 inhibiting antigen binding protein and one or moreother treatments. In one embodiment, such a combination therapy achievessynergy or an additive effect by, for example, attacking multiple sitesor molecular targets in a tumor. Types of combination therapies that canbe used in connection with the present invention include inhibiting oractivating (as appropriate) multiple nodes in a single disease-relatedpathway, multiple pathways in a target cell, and multiple cell typeswithin a target tissue.

In another embodiment, a combination therapy method comprisesadministering to the subject two, three, four, five, six, or more of thePAR-2 agonists or antagonists described herein. In another embodiment,the method comprises administering to the subject two or more treatmentsthat together inhibit or activate (directly or indirectly)PAR-2-mediated signal transduction. Examples of such methods includeusing combinations of two or more PAR-2 inhibiting antigen bindingproteins, of a PAR-2 inhibiting antigen binding protein and one or moreother therapeutic moiety having anti-inflammatory properties (forexample, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, and/orimmunomodulators), or of a PAR-2 inhibiting antigen binding protein andone or more other treatments (e.g., surgery, ultrasound, or treatmenteffective to reduce inflammation). Furthermore, one or more anti-PAR-2antibodies or antibody derivatives can be used in combination with oneor more molecules or other treatments, wherein the other molecule(s)and/or treatment(s) do not directly bind to or affect PAR-2, but whichcombination is effective for treating or preventing the condition beingtreated. In one embodiment, one or more of the molecule(s) and/ortreatment(s) treats or prevents a condition that is caused by one ormore of the other molecule(s) or treatment(s) in the course of therapy,e.g., nausea, fatigue, alopecia, cachexia, insomnia, etc. In every casewhere a combination of molecules and/or other treatments is used, theindividual molecule(s) and/or treatment(s) can be administered in anyorder, over any length of time, which is effective, e.g.,simultaneously, consecutively, or alternately. In one embodiment, themethod of treatment comprises completing a first course of treatmentwith one molecule or other treatment before beginning a second course oftreatment. The length of time between the end of the first course oftreatment and beginning of the second course of treatment can be anylength of time that allows the total course of therapy to be effective,e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or even years.

In another embodiment, the method comprises administering one or more ofthe PAR-2 antagonists described herein and one or more other treatments(e.g., a therapeutic or palliative treatment). Where a method comprisesadministering more than one treatment to a subject, it is to beunderstood that the order, timing, number, concentration, and volume ofthe administrations is limited only by the medical requirements andlimitations of the treatment, i.e., two treatments can be administeredto the subject, e.g., simultaneously, consecutively, alternately, oraccording to any other regimen.

The following examples, both actual and prophetic, are provided for thepurpose of illustrating specific embodiments or features of the instantinvention and do not limit its scope.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Monoclonal Antibodies

Immunizations are conducted using one or more suitable forms of PAR-2antigen, including soluble PAR-2 peptide (a loop 1 peptide of PAR-2[TNRSSKGRSLIGKVDGTS; amino acids 29 through 46 of SEQ ID NO:2], havingan additional C-terminal cysteine residue to facilitate conjugation,conjugated to maleiimide-activated keyhole limpet hemocyanin [KLH;obtainable for example from Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Rockford, Ill.]),a PAR-2/Fc fusion protein, and cell-bound PAR-2 (for example, CHOtransfectants expressing human PAR-2 at the cell surface, obtainable bytransfecting CHO cells with human full length PAR-2 cDNA encoding apolypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2), or combinations thereof.

A suitable amount of immunogen (i.e., ten micrograms/mouse of solublePAR-2 or 3×10⁶ cells/mouse of transfected CHO cells) are used forinitial immunization in XenoMouse™ according to the methods disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/759,620, filed Dec. 3, 1996 andInternational Patent Application Nos. WO 98/24893, published Jun. 11,1998 and WO 00/76310, published Dec. 21, 2000, the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference. Following the initialimmunization, subsequent boost immunizations of immunogen (five μg/mouseof soluble PAR-2 or 1.5×10⁶ PAR-2 transfected cells/mouse) areadministered on a schedule and for the duration necessary to induce asuitable titer of anti-PAR-2 antibody in the mice. Titers are determinedby any suitable method, for example, enzyme immunoassay or fluorescenceactivated cell sorting, or by other methods (including combinationsthereof).

Animals exhibiting suitable titers are identified, and lymphocytes areobtained from draining lymph nodes and, if necessary, pooled for eachcohort. Lymphocytes may be dissociated from lymphoid tissue by grindingin a suitable medium (for example, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium;DMEM; obtainable from Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to release the cellsfrom the tissues, and suspended in DMEM. B cells may be selected and/orexpanded using a suitable method, and fused with suitable fusionpartner, for example, nonsecretory myeloma P3X63Ag8.653 cells (AmericanType Culture Collection CRL 1580; Kearney et al, J. Immunol. 123, 1979,1548-1550), using techniques that are known in the art.

In one suitable fusion method, lymphocytes are mixed with fusion partnercells at a ratio of 1:4. The cell mixture is gently pelleted bycentrifugation at 400×g for 4 minutes, the supernatant decanted, and thecell mixture gently mixed (for example, by using a 1 ml pipette). Fusionis induced with PEG/DMSO (polyethylene glycol/dimethyl sulfoxide;obtainable from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis Mo.; 1 ml per million oflymphocytes). PEG/DMSO is slowly added with gentle agitation over oneminute followed, by one minute of mixing. IDMEM (DMEM without glutamine;2 ml per million of B cells), is then added over 2 minutes with gentleagitation, followed by additional IDMEM (8 ml per million B-cells) whichis added over 3 minutes.

The fused cells are gently pelleted (400×g 6 minutes) and resuspended in20 ml Selection media (for example, DMEM containing Azaserine andHypoxanthine [HA] and other supplemental materials as necessary) permillion B-cells. Cells are incubated for 20-30 minutes at 37 C and thenresuspended in 200 ml Selection media and cultured for three to fourdays in T175 flasks prior to 96 well plating.

Cells are distributed into 96-well plates using standard techniques tomaximize clonality of the resulting colonies. After several days ofculture, supernatants are collected and subjected to screening assays asdetailed in the examples below, including confirmation of binding tohuman PAR-2, evaluation of cross-reactivity with other species PAR-2(for example, cynomologous monkey and/or murine PAR-2), binding tocleaved versus uncleaved PAR-2, and ability to inhibit proteolyticactivation of PAR-2. Positive cells are further selected and subjectedto standard cloning and subcloning techniques. Clonal lines may beexpanded in vitro or in vivo, and the secreted human antibodies obtainedfor analysis.

Hybridoma clones thus generated are screened for reactivity with PAR-2.Initial screening of hybridoma supernatants may utilize a peptide ELISA,a whole cell ELISA and/or a cell-based assay suitable forhigh-throughput screening (fluorometric microvolume assay technology orFMAT, substantially as described by Fiscella, et al., NatureBiotechnology 21:302-307; 2003). Hybridomas that are positive in thisscreening method may be further cultured to provide larger amounts ofantibody, which can then be purified as described below and screened byadditional cell-based assay(s) (for example, a flash plate assay usingcells co-expressing apoaequorin, a Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein,substantially as described by Le Poul et al., J. Biomol. Screen.7(1):57-65; 2002, and PAR-2), or a fluorometric imaging plate reader(FLIPR) assay, which is used to determine changes in intracellular Ca2+levels, substantially as described in S. Pitchford, Genetic EngineeringNews vol. 18, Number 15 (1998) and/or Sullivan et al., Methods inMolecular Biology vol. 114, pp 125-133 (1999), which are incorporated byreference herein.

In this manner, mice were immunized with either soluble PAR-2, PAR-2expressing cells or PAR-2/Fc protein, for a total of 19 or 20immunizations over a period of approximately two-two and one-halfmonths; several cell lines secreting PAR-2-specific antibodies wereobtained, and the antibodies further characterized. The sequencesthereof are presented in the Sequence Listing and summarized in Table 1below, and results of various tests using these antibodies are shownherein. Those of skill in the art recognize that the boundaries betweenframework and complementarity determining regions can vary; for example,amino acid 22 of a light chain FR1 may be considered a part of CDR1 insome instances, etc. Moreover, some numbering systems designate CDR3 andFR4 of a heavy chain as a J region, and may include a D region betweenFR3 and CDR3. Accordingly, the numbering of the regions set forth belowmay vary by from one to five amino acids.

TABLE I VR FR1 CDR1 FR2 CDR2 FR3 CDR3 FR4 1A1, heavy, 1-126 1-30 31-3536-49 50-66 67-98 99-115 116-126 SEQ ID NO: 9 1A1 light, SEQ 1-107 1-2223-33 34-48 49-55 56-87 88-97   98-107 ID NO: 11 1B5, heavy, 1-126 1-3031-35 36-49 50-66 67-98 99-115 116-126 SEQ ID NO: 13 1B5 light, SEQ1-107 1-22 23-33 34-48 49-55 56-87 88-97   98-107 ID NO: 15 1C7, heavy,1-126 1-30 31-35 36-49 50-66 67-98 99-115 116-126 SEQ ID NO: 17 1C7light, SEQ 1-107 1-22 23-33 34-48 49-55 56-87 88-97   98-107 ID NO: 192A5, light, SEQ 1-106 1-22 23-33 34-48 49-55 56-87 88-96   97-106 ID NO:21 2C6, heavy, 1-122 1-30 31-35 36-49 50-66 67-98 99-110 111-122 SEQ IDNO: 23 2C6, light, SEQ 1-111 1-22 23-35 35-50 51-57 58-89 90-100 101-111ID NO: 25 9B12, heavy, 1-121 1-30 31-35 36-49 50-66 67-98 99-110 111-121SEQ ID NO: 27 9B12, light, 1-111 1-22 23-35 36-50 51-57 58-89 90-101102-111 SEQ ID NO: 29 12D5, heavy, 1-125 1-30 31-37 38-51 52-69  70-101102-114  115-125 SEQ ID NO: 31 12D5, light, 1-107 1-23 24-34 35-49 50-5657-88 89-97   98-107 SEQ ID NO: 33 13F2, heavy, 1-125 1-30 31-37 38-5152-69  70-101 102-114  115-125 SEQ ID NO: 35 13F2, light, 1-107 1-2324-34 35-49 50-56 57-88 89-97   98-107 SEQ ID NO: 37

EXAMPLE 2 Purification of anti-PAR2 Hybridoma Antibodies for Screening

Hybridoma cells are cultured for a time and under conditions to yield asample of about 35 ml of hybridoma supernatant fluid. Monoclonalantibodies are purified using a suitable method, for example, usingprotein A. To each sample is added 12 ml of 4×-Protein A Binding Buffer(1.6 M citric acid, 100 mM tris, pH 9.15) and about 300 μl of a 67%slurry of MabSelect™ Media (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, N.J.). Theresulting slurry is rotated gently over night at 4° C.

After overnight incubation, the samples are centrifuged to sediment theresin and the monoclonal antibodies bound thereto, for example at 2,000RPM in a G3.8 centrifuge rotor (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, Calif.) for5 minutes at 4° C. with no brake. All but about 300 μl of thesupernatant fluid is removed and the resin is resuspended to form aconcentrated slurry.

The concentrated slurry is transferred to a microcentrifuge tube andsufficient 1×-Protein A Binding Buffer (400 mM citric acid, 25 mM tris,pH 8.9) is added to bring the total volume up to about 1 ml. The slurryis resuspended, then centrifuged at about 14,000 g for 5 seconds. Thesupernatant fluid is removed from the resulting pellet, which is washeda total of three times in a similar manner (i.e. by resuspending inabout 1 ml of 1×-Protein A Binding Buffer, centrifuging, removingsupernatant and resuspending in fresh buffer).

After three washes, the pellet is resuspended in 400 μl Elution Buffer(200 mM formic acid) and agitated for 10 min at room temperature, thencentrifuged at 14,000 g for 5 seconds. The supernatant is carefullyremoved as eluate, and the pellet is eluted again in a manner similar tothat described above for a total of three elution cycles. The eluatesfrom the three elution cycles are combined, centrifuged at 14,000 g for5 min room temperature and transferred to a fresh tube. The pH isadjusted to 7.8-8.2 by adding 2 M tris base (235 mM_(f)) and mixingquickly. The samples are again centrifuged at 14,000 g for 5 min at roomtemperature, and designated as pH Shift Soluble. A spectral scan of eachsample (diluted by adding 20 μl of the sample to 700 μl water) is runfrom 250 to 350 nm, and protein concentration is verified by loading 0.5μg each antibody-containing sample on a reducing 4-20% SDS-PAGE gel withan appropriate antibody standard.

EXAMPLE 3 Purification of PAR-2/Fc Polypeptide

N-terminal PAR-2/Fc polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:6) is expressed in suitablemammalian cells such as CHO cells. Expression supernatant from CHOexpression cells cultured in serum-free media contain a CHO celltrypsin-like serine protease that cleaves PAR-2/Fc at the activationArg-Ser bond, generating the “clipped” version of the PAR-2/Fcpolypeptide. CHO expression cells cultured in 10% fetal calf serum(which contains normal levels of plasma proteinase inhibitors atconcentrations far in excess of the concentration of the CHO celltrypsin-like serine protease) express uncleaved N-terminal PAR-2/Fc inculture supernatants. Both clipped and uncleaved proteins are purifiedusing methods that are suitable for isolation and purification ofproteins comprising an Fc regions (for example, using a MabSelect™ resinsystems, from GE Healthcare, Piscataway, N.J.)). The resultant purifiedFc-constructs are analyzed by amino terminal sequence analysis (Edmandegradation), size exclusion chromatrography, absorbance spectral scan,and mass spectroscopy, as needed.

In one example of a suitable purification system, conditioned mediacontaining PAR-2/Fc is loaded on to a GE Healthcare 10 ml Protein ASepharose™ HiTrap column at 6 ml/min and 7° C. The column is washed withseveral column volumes of Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline withoutdivalent cations and then eluted with 100 mM glycine at pH 3.0. Theeluted protein is diluted into a Tris buffer and the pH is adjusted 7.0with 1 M H₃PO₄. The eluate is then loaded on to a 5 ml GE HealthcareSP-HP HiTrap column in S-Buffer A (20 mM NaH₂PO₄ at pH 7.0) at 5 ml/minand 7° C. The column is washed with several column volumes of S-Buffer Afollowed by elution with a 20 column volume linear gradient to 40%S-Buffer B (20 mM NaH₂PO₄, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.0) followed by a step to 100%S-Buffer B at 5 ml/min and 7° C. The fractions may be analyzed byCoomassie stained SDS-PAGE and pooled. The pooled fractions may befiltered through a 0.22 μm cellulose acetate filter; and a spectral scancan be conducted on a sample, using a calculated molecular mass of30,226 and a calculated extinction coefficient of 35,410 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹. Thepooled material is concentrated (for example, by using a Pall Macrosep®10 kDa membrane at room temperature followed by filtration though a 0.22μm cellulose acetate filter); another spectral scan may be conducted toverify concentration. The final product may then be analyzed byCoomassie stained SDS-PAGE (4-20% 1.0 mm tris-glycine gel) and SE-HPLCusing a Phenomenx BioSep 3000 column (7.8×300 mm) in 50 mM NaH2PO₄, 250mM NaCl, pH 6.9.

EXAMPLE 4 Expression and Purification of PAR-2/Fc:FLAG®/Fc Heterodimer

A heterodimeric PAR-2/Fc:FLAG®/Fc protein is expressed and purified tofacilitate analysis of the avidity and affinity of antibodies to PAR-2.Suitable cells, for example mammalian cells or human cells such asHEK293 cells, are co-transfected with nucleic acid encoding PAR-2/Fc(SEQ ID NO:5) and nucleic acid encoding FLAG®/Fc (SEQ ID NO:43). Cultureof the transfected cells under appropriate conditions (for example inmedium containing low-IgG serum) results in expression of homodimericPAR-2/Fc, homodimeric FLAG®/Fc and heterodimeric PAR-2/Fc:FLAG®/Fcprotein. The latter is obtained by sequential purification steps,substantially as described below.

In one example of a suitable purification system, conditioned mediacontaining PAR-2/Fc:FLAG®/Fc is subjected to purification methods thatfacilitate purification of Fc proteins, similarly to methods describedpreviously for PAR-2/Fc. Briefly, conditioned media is loaded on to aprotein A column under conditions that allow the Fc to bind the ProteinA. The column is washed with several column volumes of PBS and theneluted at low pH. The eluted protein is diluted and further purified byion exchange chromatography (for example, using a GE Healthcare SPSepharose™-High Performance column in S-Buffer A (20 mM NaH₂PO₄ at pH7.0), which is washed with several column volumes of S-Buffer and elutedwith a 20 column volume linear gradient from 1 to 20% and a 20 columnvolume linear gradient from 20 to 50% S-Buffer B (20 mM NaH₂PO₄, 1 MNaCl, pH 7.0) followed by a step to 100% S-Buffer B at 5 ml/min).

The fractions are analyzed by Coomassie stained SDS-PAGE and fractionscontaining the bulk of the desired product pooled. The pooled materialis then incubated with anti-FLAG® M2 Affinity Gel (Sigma A2220;Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis Mo.) overnight. The resin is then washed withTris-buffered saline and eluted with 100 mM HOAC, pH 3.5. The final poolis neutralized to pH 7.0 with 1 M Tris HCl, pH 8.0.

At any desired point, the material may be filtered through a 0.22 μmcellulose acetate filter; a spectral scan can be conducted on a sample,using a calculated molecular mass of 30,226 and a calculated extinctioncoefficient of 35,410 M^(.−1) cm⁻¹. The final pooled material may beconcentrated if desired (for example, by using a Pall Macrosep® 10 kDamembrane at room temperature followed by filtration though a 0.22 μmcellulose acetate filter); another spectral scan may be conducted toverify concentration. The final product may then be analyzed byCoomassie stained SDS-PAGE (4-20% 1.0 mm tris-glycine gel) and SE-HPLCusing a Phenomenx BioSep 3000 column (7.8×300 mm) in 50 mM NaH₂PO₄, 250mM NaCl, pH 6.9.

N-terminal amino acid sequencing was used to verify that materialpurified in this manner contained PAR-2/Fc:FLAG®/fC heterodimers. Twosequences were detected: TIQGTNRSSKG (corresponding to amino acids 25through 35 of SEQ ID NO:2), and DDYKDDDD (corresponding to SEQ ID NO:7).The ratio of two peptides was close to 1. Coomassie staining and SECanalysis confirmed that the material was PAR-2/Fc:FLAG®/Fc heterodimericprotein with undetectable levels of homodimeric proteins.

EXAMPLE 5 Analysis of PAR-2 antibodies by Western Blot

To analyze binding to uncleaved versus cleaved PAR-2, various amounts ofpurified uncleaved and clipped N-terminal PAR2-Fc are subjected toSDS-PAGE using 8-16% polyacrylamide gradient gels (Novex gels,Invitrogen Life Technologies) in a Tris-Glycine buffer system. Gel lanescontaining See Blue standards (Novex, Invitrogen Life Technologies) formolecular weight identification are also included. Followingelectrophoresis, proteins are transferred from gels onto nitrocellulosemembranes using a Novex XCell II Blot Module (Invitrogen LifeTechnologies). Membranes are blocked with 1:1, Odyssey blocking buffer,OBB, (LI-COR Biosciences):TBS (Tris Buffer Saline) overnight at 4 C withshaking. Antibodies to be analyzed are diluted in 1:1 OBB:TBS at adesired final concentration for 1 hr at room temperature. Membranes arewashed extensively with 0.1% Tween 20 in TBS (3-4 changes of 100 ml over˜1 hr). Membranes are then exposed to the appropriate secondaryantibody-Alexa680 (Molecular Probes, Invitrogen Life Technologies)conjugate (goat anti-rabbit IgG, or goat anti-mouse IgG) diluted 1:5000in 1:1 (OBB:TBS) for 1 hr at room temperature. Membranes are washed asdescribed above, and if desired, analyzed using a LI-COR OdysseyInfrared Imaging System (LI-COR Biosciences).

EXAMPLE 6 Binding Activity of PAR-2 Antibodies

This example describes binding activity as assessed by surface plasmonresonance using a BIAcore® biosensor (BIAcore International AB, Uppsala,Sweden). Briefly, anti-human Fc (or anti-murine Fc) is covalentlycoupled to biosensor chips (i.e., a CM5 chip) using a standard aminecoupling procedure and reagents according to the manufacturer'sinstructions. PAR-2 antibody (human or murine, or a chimera, forexample, SEQ ID NO:38) or a control antibody is injected over theimmobilized anti-Fc, and varying amounts of PAR-2 (either homodimericPAR-2-huFc or heterodimeric PAR-2-huFc/FLAG-huFc) are independentlypassed over an irrelevant antibody-coupled chip (negative control) aswell as an anti-PAR-2-coated chip. Regeneration of the chip may beaccomplished with one 10-microliter pulse of 100 mM phosphoric acid at10 microliters/minute. All binding is performed in HBS (10 mM HEPES,0.15 M NaCl, 3.4 mM EDTA, 0.02% NaN3, 0.005% surfactant P2O, pH 7.4) orequivalent.

EXAMPLE 7 Comparison of PAR-2 Antibodies

Several PAR-2 antibodies were tested in different assay formats; Table 2summarizes the results. IC₅₀ values were determined in a FLIPR assay forCa2+ mobilization described previously; binding to the upstream regionof the cleavage site versus the downstream region of the cleavage sitewas determined using the Western blot assay described previously.

TABLE 2 Binding to Cleavage Site* Antibody IC₅₀ Up stream Down stream1A1  2 nM xxx — 1B5  3 nM xxx — 1C7  3 nM xxx — 2C6 >1 microM — xx9B12 >1 microM — xx 12D5 >1 microM — xx 13F2 >1 microM — xx *In thisWestern blot, an antibody that binds downstream of the cleavage sitewill bind both full length and truncated amino-terminal PAR-2-Fc,whereas an antibody that binds upstream of the cleavage site will bindonly the full-length PAR-2/Fc.

EXAMPLE 8 Adjuvant-induced Arthritis (AIA) Models

This example describes acute and chronic models of arthritis. In bothmodels, animals are anesthetized, for example by Ketamine/Xylazinemixture (mouse mix or rat mix, respectively) or isoflurane for allintraarticular (IA), periarticular (PA) injections or intradermal (ID)injections.

Joint injections, IA or PA, are targeted at either knees or hind limbpaws. PA injections are equally divided across four sites surroundingthe joint of interest. Paw injections are administered ID into theplantar area of the hind paw. To serve as an internal control, one kneeor hind-limb paw is injected with vehicle alone or sterile PBS.Preparation of the injection area includes shaving the joint area afteranimals are anesthetized, and scrubbing with an iodine solution followedby an alcohol disinfectant. All articular injections are given with a30-gauge needle or equivalent, and when needed by a gastight (i.e.,Hamilton) syringe, for small injection volumes (i.e. 10 microL).

For induction of acute AIA (aAIA), animals are injected on day zero (D0)with 1-4% lambda-carrageenan and 1-4% kaolin (C/K) by IA injection insaline. Concentrations of both compounds are dependent on intendeddisease severity. Total injection volumes for the inducing agent arebetween 10-20 microL for mice and 60-80 microL for rat. Bothconcentration and injection volume are consistent with publishedmethodologies (J Clin Invest. 2003; 111(1):35-41, and J Pharmacol ExpTher. 2006; 316(3):1017-24). Alternatively, specific PAR-2 peptideagonists, or other activators of inflammation (such as trypsin, or humanbeta-tryptase [J Clin Invest. 2003; 111(1):35-41, J Pharmacol Exp Ther.2006; 316(3):1017-24, J Pharmacol Sci. 2005 97(1):38-42, and Br J.Pharmacol. 1999 127(5):1083-90]) or the equivalent, may be used.Concentrations used are selected for intended disease severity, andtotal injection volumes are appropriate to the animal being injected.

For induction of chronic AIA (cAIA), animals are injected day zero (D0)with 10-20 microL (mouse) and 60-80 microL (rat) of Freund's adjuvantwith supplemented 10 mg/mL H37Ra Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb.)[compete Freund's adjuvant; CFA] by IA injection, followed by 40-80microL (mouse) and 120-200 microL (rat) by PA injection. Concentrations,injection volume, and injection regimen are consistent with publishedmethodologies (J Clin Invest. 2003; 111(1):35-41). Adjuvant use followsinternal IACUC Global Adjuvant Usage Standards, not exceeding 0.4 mLtotal for mice and 1 mL total for rats. All injections comply withinternal Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) DoseAdministration Standards, to include no more than 20 mL/kg IP, 1 mL/kgIA, and 5 mL/kg IV for mice and 10 mL/kg IP, 0.5 mL/kg IA, and 5 mL/g IVfor rats.

Treatment intervention includes intraperitoneal (IP), intraarticular(IA), or intravenous (IV) administration routes; other suitable routesof administration may be used instead of or in addition to these. Anytreatment regimen via IA injection is given at time other than D0, or atD0 but sequentially at a different injection site in the same joint (forexample, a first injection into the interior aspect of the knee and asecond injection into the exterior aspect.

For both acute and chronic AIA studies, caliper measurements of jointdiameter are taken of all joints of interest prior to any injection.Tracking of disease may include caliper measurements of joint diameteras well as flexible tape measurements of joint circumference, and visualscoring. Alternative methods (i.e., use of a plethysmometer) may also beused. Severity of cAIA is scored by one or both of the criteria shownbelow:

cAIA Joint Usage Criteria cAIA Joint Appearance Criteria 0 - Normaljoint usage 0 - Normal joint 1 - Curling of toes 1 - Redness/swelling in1 to 3 digits 2 - Aversion of the joint or 2 - Redness/swelling in morethan 3 digits, paw mild swelling extending into paw, swollen/red ankle,or mild swelling/redness of forepaw 3 - Partial weight bearing 3 -Swollen paw, mild to moderate redness 4 - Non-weight bearing and 4 -Extreme redness and extreme guarding swelling in entire paw

In this manner, 6-8 week old Lewis rats were injected with C/K plustreatment (or control) in the left knee, and negative control in eachright knee, as for the acute model. Joint thickness was measured at settime points after treatment, using an average of three caliper readings.The change in thickness of the left knee as compared to the right kneewas expressed as percent change, and is shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 0 Hr 2 Hr 6 Hr 24 Hr 48 Hr 72 Hr PBS 0.00 ± 0.00 −0.26 ± 0.71   0.26 ± 0.65 −0.84 ± 0.53 −0.84 ± 0.55 −0.48 ± 0.50   C/K 0.00 ± 0.003.88 ± 2.88 15.76 ± 1.74 17.51 ± 2.45 16.41 ± 1.39 8.07 ± 1.02 SLIGRL0.00 ± 0.00 4.84** ± 0.87  8.02*** ± 1.17  5.68*** ± 1.07  3.47* ± 0.953.55* ± 0.81  1A1 0.00 ± 0.00 1.10 ± 1.13 4.12*** ± 1.29  3.57*** ±1.20  4.70** ± 1.39  3.48 ± 0.66 hIgG 0.00 ± 0.00 4.80 ± 0.88 15.20 ±2.91 13.77 ± 2.29 10.89 ± 1.30 5.95 ± 1.32 Values Represent Group Mean ±SEM. Statistics calculated by 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni. Monoclonalanitbody 1A1 was compared to hIgG; SLIGRL was conmpared to PBS. *p <0.05 **p < 0.01 ***p < 0.001

These results demonstrate that an antagonistic anti-PAR-2 antibodyreduces the inflammation observed in an adjuvant-induced arthritismodel.

EXAMPLE 9 Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis (AIA) Models

This example describes the effects of PAR-2 antibodies on paw edema inan acute AIA model substantially as described previously. Briefly, 6-8week old Sprague Dawley or Lewis rats (Charles River Laboratories,Wilmington, Mass.) were injected subcutaneously (SC) in the plantarregion of the hind paw with 1% lambda carrageenan in one hind paw andcontrol (saline) in the other. Blocking PAR-2 monoclonal antibody (1A1)or control (positive or negative control; see footnotes to Table 4) wasadministered intraperitoneally (IP) eighteen hours prior to adjuvantinjection at 1.5 mg/rat (approximately 8-10 mg/kg), swelling was thenmeasured by plethysomgraphy at selected time points. Data were expressedas volume of water in milliliters (mL) displaced per paw versus baselinemeasurements for that paw. Results of representative experiments areshown in Tables 4-5 below.

TABLE 4 Paw Edema in Lewis Rat 0 Hr 2 Hr 4 Hr 6 Hr 8 Hr Saline 0.00 ±0.00 0.09 ± 0.05 0.03 ± 0.05 0.01 ± 0.04 0.01 ± 0.04 Carrageenan 0.00 ±0.00 0.21 ± 0.05 0.24 ± 0.07 0.31 ± 0.04 0.46 ± 0.05 2B5¹ 0.00 ± 0.000.13 ± 0.04 0.10 ± 0.02 0.06 ± 0.05 0.17 ± 0.09 1A1 0.00 ± 0.00 0.15 ±0.06 0.09*** ± 0.04   0.14*** ± 0.07   0.30*** ± 0.06   2C6² 0.00 ± 0.000.22 ± 0.02 0.22 ± 0.05 0.32 ± 0.06 0.51 ± 0.11 ¹2B5: Positive Controlanti-PGE2, Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, Michigan ²2C6: Negative Controlbinding non-blocking anti-PAR2 mAb * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001by 2-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni Post Test vs control.

TABLE 5 Paw Edema in Sprague Dawley Rat 0 Hr 2 Hr 4 Hr 6 Hr Saline 0.00± 0.00 0.01 ± 0.08 −0.01 ± 0.06  −0.01 ± 0.04  Carrageenan 0.00 ± 0.000.61 ± 0.12 1.16 ± 0.13 1.36 ± 0.19 Indomethacin¹ 0.00 ± 0.00 0.26 ±0.22 0.28 ± 0.08 0.49 ± 0.16 1A1 0.00 ± 0.00 0.15*** ± 0.05   0.45*** ±0.08   0.49*** ± 0.08   2C6² 0.00 ± 0.00 0.57 ± 0.08 1.06 ± 0.16 1.13 ±0.08 ¹Indomethacin Positive Control at 5 mg/kg ²2C6: Negative Controlbinding non-blocking anti-PAR2 mAb *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001by 2-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni Post Test vs control.

In further experiments, a blocking PAR-2 antibody (1A1) significantlydecreased paw swelling when administered IP but not when administeredSC; subsequent pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that thebioavailability of SC administered 1 A1 was suboptimal in the paw edemastudy. Additionally, the inhibition of swelling by blocking PAR-2antibody administered IP occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Theseresults confirm previous findings that an antagonistic anti-PAR-2antibody reduces the inflammation observed in an adjuvant-inducedarthritis model.

EXAMPLE 10 Alteration in Proinflammatory Cytokines

This example describes the effects of PAR-2 antibodies or benchmarkpositive control antibodies (i.e., anti-PGE2 2B5, from Cayman Chemical)on induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Briefly, tissue lysates frominflamed rat paws or control (naïve) paws were prepared by mincing inlysis buffer and placing on a Qiagen Tissue Lyser. Aliquots of sampleswere pooled, assessed for total protein by absorbance (A₂₈₀) using amicro-volume spectroscopy system (NanoDrop™, Thermo Scientific, WalthamMass.), and submitted to Rules-Based Medicine, Inc. (Austin, Tex.) formulti-analyte profile (MAP) analysis on the Rodent Panel v2.0. Numerousanalytes were altered with disease activity, comparisons shown includedthose differentiated by 1A1 and 2B5 treatment. Analytes were normalizedto total protein (i.e. (pg, ng, microg)/mg tot protein); data are shownin FIG. 1. These results confirm literature findings that elevatedrelease of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines andprostaglandin, are a hallmark of carageenan-induced edema. Lower levelsof these factors observed in paw lysates in anti-PAR-2 antagonisticantibody treated animals suggests that these antibodies bind PAR-2 andsignificantly reduce subsequent production of pro-inflammatorymediators. The decrease in production of these analytes confirms theanti-inflammatory activity of PAR-2 neutralizing antibodies.

EXAMPLE 11 Binding Properties of Antigen-Binding Proteins

This example describes the analysis of the binding properties of PAR-2antigen-binding proteins to cell surface expressed PAR-2 utilizing aKinetic Exclusion Assay which measures binding events in solution phaseand can be used to calculate K_(D), K_(on) and K_(off) (KinExA®;Sapidyne Instruments, Boise, Id.), substantially as described previouslyby Xie et. al. J. Imm, Methods 304:1 (2005) and Rathanaswami et. al.Anal. Biochem. 373:52 (2008). Briefly, serial dilutions of cellsexpressing human PAR-2 (for example, CHO transfectants expressing humanPAR-2 at the cell surface, obtainable by transfecting CHO cells withhuman full length PAR-2 cDNA encoding a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2) andcontrol cells (i.e., non-transfected CHO cells) in a modified DMEMmedium (phenol red free containing 10% heat inactivated FBS, 0.1 mM MEMnon-essential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate,penicillin-streptomycin-glutamine, and 0.025% (w/w) sodium azide) areincubated with set amounts of antibody for 24 to 36 hours at 4 C withrotation. At the end of the incubation time, cells are pelleted bycentrifugation, (i.e., for 4 minutes at 2000 rpm), and the supernatantcontaining unbound (free) antibody is removed. The free mAb is measuredby KinExA® using the appropriate capture beads and Cy5-conjugatedanti-human secondary antibodies, as described by Rathanaswami et al.Biochem Biophys Research Commun:1004 (2005). The equilibriumdissociation constant (K_(D)) is obtained using KinExA® software and by“n-curve analysis” which fits all of the given curves to a single K_(D)value simultaneously (Rathanswami et al. 2005 and Xie et al., supra).

The K_(D) of certain PAR-2 antibodies was determined in this manner. Asmeasured by KinExA®, the K_(D) for the interaction of the anti-PAR-2antibody 1A1 to cell surface expressed human PAR-2 is 62.8 pM with a 95%confidence interval of 24.8 to 134.7 pM (averaged for N=5 experiments).An initial analysis of antibody 1B5 in this system indicated a K_(D) of3.39 nM with a 95% confidence interval of 1.36 to 5.47 nM (N=2experiments).

EXAMPLE 12 Induction of Collagen-induced Arthritis

This example describes a collagen-induced arthritis model utilizingrats. Porcine type II collagen (10 mg; Chondrex, Redmond, Wash.) isdissolved in 0.1N acetic acid (5 mL) two days prior to use on a rotatingplate at 2-4 C. Subsequently, collagen is emulsified 1:1 with Freund'sincomplete adjuvant (IFA; Difco, Detroit, Mich.) using an emulsificationneedle and glass syringes, yielding a final concentration of 1 mg/mL.Disease is induced in 8-week old female Lewis rats (Charles River,Wilmington, Mass.) by intradermal injection of emulsified collagen inIFA at 10 different sites (100 microL per site) over the back. Theclinical onset of arthritis varies, usually between 10 to 12 days, asindicated by hind paw swelling and ambulatory difficulties. Prior tocollagen immunization rats are randomized to treatment groups andtherapy is initiated with an i.p. administration of PAR-2 neutralizingantibody, control antibodies (i.e., PAR-2 non-blocking antibodies) orvehicle control (A5Su). A second dose of the antibodies and vehicle isadministered the day before onset, Day 9.

Progression of inflammation during the study is assessed clinically bythe intermittent measurement of hind paw diameter using calipersReadings are taken at the tibiotarsal (ankle) joint prior to inductionof arthritis, at the day of onset (Day 10), on days 11-17, and atnecropsy (Day 18). Inhibition of paw inflammation is calculated based onthe area under the curve (AUC) according to the formula:[(Vehicle treated CIA−Treated CIA)/(Vehicle treated CIA)]×100

In addition, total body weight is determined daily during the treatmentregimen as a supplemental endpoint because body weight loss parallelsthe progression of joint inflammation in this arthritis model.

At study termination, ankle joints may be evaluated for loss of bonemineral density (BMD) as well as for changes in the phosphorylation ofmitogen-activated protein kinase-activated kinase-2 (MAPKAPK-2 or MK-2).BMD is examined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at asuitable time point after necropsy. Hind paws are removed at the furline (just proximal to the ankle [hock]), immersed in 70% ethanol andstored at room temperature until the BMD is determined. The joints arethen scanned in horizontal orientation using a fan beam X-raydensitometer (Model QDR-4500A; Hologic, Waltham, Mass.) substantially asdescribed by (Feige et al., Cell Mol Life Sci 57:1457; 2000). After thescan, a rectangular box (29×25 mm) centered at the calcaneus ispositioned to delineate the site to be analyzed, and algorithmsvalidated for the instrumentation used (for example, Hologic software)are used to calculate bone area, bone mineral content, and bone mineraldensity. For the phosphor analysis, one ankle is frozen in liquid N2 forcrushing into a protein powder that is run on a Western blot using acommercially available MK-2 assay.

Each reference cited herein is incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all that it teaches and for all purposes.

1. An isolated monoclonal antibody or antigen binding portion thereof,having a heavy chain and a light chain, the heavy chain comprising avariable region that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:9, and thelight chain comprising a variable region that is at least 95% identicalto SEQ ID NO:11 wherein the antibody or an antigen binding portionthereof binds to Protease Activated Receptor-2 (PAR-2) upstream of theproteolytic cleavage site.
 2. An isolated monoclonal antibody or antigenbinding portion thereof, having a heavy chain and a light chain, whereinthe light chain variable region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:39, and the heavy chain variable region has the amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO:40, further wherein the antibody or an antigen bindinaportion thereof binds to Protease Activated Receptor-2 (PAR-2) upstreamof the proteolytic cleavage sit.
 3. An isolated monoclonal antibody orantigen binding portion thereof, having a heavy chain and a light chain,the heavy chain comprising a variable region, and the light chaincomprising a variable region, wherein the light chain variable regionhas an amino acid sequence selected from the group of amino acidsequences consisting of SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:15 and SEQ ID NO:19, andthe heavy chain variable region has an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group of amino acid sequences consisting of SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ IDNO:13 and SEQ ID NO:17, further wherein the antibody or antigen bindingportion thereof binds to Protease Activated Receptor-2 (PAR-2) upstreamof the proteolytic cleavage site.
 4. An isolated antibody or antigenbinding portion thereof selected from the group consisting of a) Anantibody or antigen binding portion thereof comprising a light chainvariable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:11, andheavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:9; b) An antibody or antigen binding portion thereof comprising alight chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:15, and heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO:13; and c) antibody or antigen binding portion thereofcomprising a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO:19, and heavy chain variable region having the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:17.
 5. A composition comprising the isolatedantibody or antigen binding portion thereof of any one of claims 1through 4 or claim 3 and a physiologically acceptable diluent, excipientor carrier.